DRE Raid on Morro Dona Marta Produces Intense Gunfire and Arrests

Overview

• The Delegacia de Repressão a Entorpecentes led a judicially authorized raid in Morro Dona Marta on Tuesday to serve 44 arrest warrants and multiple search-and-seizure orders stemming from a 22-month probe.
• The early-morning operation prompted heavy exchanges of gunfire across Botafogo, left a bus passenger wounded by a stray bullet, and trapped tourists at the Mirante Dona Marta.
• Police released drone footage showing heavily armed suspects moving among residents and reported several arrests with figures evolving from three to six as officers processed detainees.
• Investigators say the targeted cell comprises 44 identified members with leadership tied to Ronaldo 'R9' (reported to exert influence from a federal prison) and Francisco 'Mexicano,' who appears to have escaped the immediate cordon.
• Officials described the action as part of a broader effort to cut the faction’s income and territorial reach and said follow-up inquiries and evidence processing at police facilities are ongoing.