Police arrest leaders of the Curicica militia, in the west zone of Rio

The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro arrested this Wednesday morning (24), Claudio Cesar Rocha, known as Cara de Ferro, appointed as leader of the Curicica narco-militia, in the west zone of the capital of Rio de Janeiro; and his right-hand man, Anderson Ferreira de Oliveira, known as Andinho, considered the second man in the hierarchy of the criminal organization.

According to delegate Rodrigo Coelho, who is part of the investigations, the arrested criminals already had links with the militia that is now led by Zinho, arrested in December last year.

“At the time that Ecko 'was' in that year of bringing together all the militias in Rio de Janeiro, he provided support to all of them. With a weapon, with a soldier, etc. Yes, he had a ring [com outros grupos milicianos], but I think they stopped giving that support some time ago. And then they are independent militias, there is no relationship anymore. But not long ago they did”, says the delegate.

The two were approached at the door of a nightclub. They were with security guards, who shot at police officers from the Narcotics Repression Station (DRE) and the Repression of Organized Criminal Actions and Special Inquiries (Draco), as well as from the Penha and Brás de Pina Police Station, in the north zone, which supported the action. Shots were exchanged and the criminals were arrested.

In the action, two pistols, two rifles, hundreds of rifle and pistol ammunition, dozens of magazines, two grenades, among other materials were seized.

The prisoners were charged with criminal organization and illegal possession of a firearm.

Criminal records of prisoners

According to the Civil Police, there is an open arrest warrant against Andinho. He escaped from the penitentiary system, along with other criminals. At the time, the militiaman was linked to drug trafficking in Cidade de Deus, in the west zone.

However, he was no longer part of the group and joined the militia, taking weapons and drug money.