Bandits planned to blow up the bridge between SP and the coast, police say

Civil police officers from São Bernardo do Campo, in Greater São Paulo, discovered last weekend a plan by a gang to blow up a bridge connecting the capital of São Paulo and the state’s coast.

The connection between São Paulo and Baixada Santista is made via the Anchieta and Imigrantes highways. Both contain several bridges along their routes. It was not known which of them, exactly, would be the target of the criminal action. The motivation for the alleged attack was also not disclosed.

According to the Civil Police, information about the attack plan was given by a suspect during a custody hearing. The individual reportedly said that he would be part of the group, but that, after a fight, the other members of the gang would have tried to kill him. He said he managed to escape and handed himself in to the police, as he was wanted.

Following the complaint made by the prisoner, the police carried out an operation on a farm in the Riacho Grande neighborhood, in the same municipality. There was Jailson Pesqueiro de Souza, who was alone in the property and admitted to having drugs and weapons there.

The police began a sweep and found 12 kilos of bombs, as well as fuses and seven explosive triggers. An AK-47 rifle, a pistol, five rifle magazines, two pistol magazines, ammunition and a rifle scope were also located.

In addition to the weapons, the police found 4.2 kilos of cocaine, 2.5 kilos of crack, a surveillance camera, a notebook, cell phones and several notes made by the criminals.

At the farm, agents also seized a car that contained a hidden compartment for transporting drugs.

The incident was registered at the 1st DP (Center) of São Bernardo. A CNN tries to locate the prisoner’s defense to comment on the fact.