Paraguay Deports Brazilian Crime Boss After Unsuccessful Break-out
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Paraguay is deporting an influential Brazilian drug dealer back to his home country after suspected members of the crime syndicate he heads unsuccessfully tried to free him from jail.
Suspected members of the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) syndicate had tried to free their imprisoned leader, Giovanni Barbosa da Silva, from police custody in Paraguay, but were thwarted by police officers.
“Following the attack on the police station and attempt by the PCC to free their leader … I have ordered the immediate expulsion of the Brazilian citizen,” said President Mario Abdo Benitez on Sunday, January 10th.
According to reports, da Silva was flown to the border city of Ciudad del Este, from where he would be expelled into Brazil.
The PCC, one of Brazil’s most powerful criminal organizations, involved in drug trafficking, contract killings and robberies, is active in Paraguay, one of Latin America’s biggest marijuana-growing countries.
Most of the marijuana grown there is smuggled into neighbouring Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.
Key Facts
— Deep Dive
— For the complete picture, read our in-depth guide: Paraguay: Washington's Most Valued Ally in Latin America
More: Brazil news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
Brazil runoff, Sunday, October 25: Brazil runoff: date, poll closing times and when results start. Latest: Brazil runoff polls, Flávio 51%, Lula 49%.