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LATIN AMERICA |
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Brazilian
Police Arrest 14 For Drug
Trafficking
RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazilian police on Tuesday launched an
anti-drug operation and arrested 14 people
in the southern border state of Rio Grande
do Sul.
The arrests took place in seven cities --
Lajeado, Teutonia, Casca, Marau, Vila Maria,
Sao Leopoldo and Portao -- during the
operation, according to the authorities.
A total of 17 search warrants were issued
for the operation. Police seized a car and a
small amount of crack cocaine.
The leader of the gang, who is among those
arrested, is a construction businessman from
the town of Lajeado. One suspect is still at
large, and two other members were arrested
on previous occasions.
Police said investigations started six
months ago. They said the gang operated in
three states neighboring Paraguay and
Argentina -- Rio Grande do Sul and Parana,
in the southern region, and Mato Grosso do
Sul, in the midwestern region.
The arrested will be charged with
association with criminal groups, drug
trafficking, illegal possession of firearms
and fraud. If convicted, they could face
jail terms of up to 32 years.
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