A Brazilian man linked to the Comando Vermelho was arrested in Luque during a counter-narcotics operation

The National Police's Anti-Narcotics Department arrested Paulo Candio Oliveira, a 39-year-old Brazilian and key link in the Comando Vermelho, during Operativo Puma PY in the Cuarto Barrio neighborhood of Luque, where a cell phone, a laptop, sheets of cocaine, and other evidence were seized. He will be deported from Paraguay and handed over to Brazil.

The Anti-Narcotics Department of the National Police arrested Paulo Candio Oliveira, 39, a Brazilian citizen identified as a key link in the criminal faction Comando Vermelho, on Wednesday. The arrest took place during Operativo Puma PY in the Cuarto Barrio neighborhood of the city of Luque.

The Brazilian had rented the residence where he was found using a false document. After an intelligence operation, the Intelligence Department confirmed that he was wanted by the Federative Republic of Brazil and was a member of the criminal organization.

"He is a dangerous individual linked to various crimes related to organized crime, and he is an important link within this faction," prosecutor Orlando Paiva stated. At the scene, authorities seized a cell phone, a notebook computer, sheets of cocaine, and other evidence that will be analyzed.

Oliveira had been living alone at the residence for about a month, with few comforts. According to the Public Prosecutor's Office, he was apparently preparing to commit new crimes in the region.

The Directorate of Migration, Interpol, and International Affairs have been activated so that on Thursday the Brazilian will be expelled from Paraguayan territory and handed over to Brazil. The prosecutor stated that he will directly request the expulsion based on discretionary grounds, considering that the use of a false document is a crime in Paraguay.

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Updated: Jun 4, 2026, 9:24 AM