Deputy denies involvement in illicit acts

The Federal Police and the Public Ministry of Roraima launched an operation this Wednesday (23) to combat the illegal trade in weapons and ammunition. Among the targets of the 16 searches and seizures in Boa Vista and Fernandópolis (SP), are state deputy Rarison Barbosa (PMB-RR) and the general commander of the state’s Military Police, colonel Miramilton Goiano de Souza.

The investigation originates from Operation Alésia, launched in December 2020 to investigate public servants from the Secretariat of Justice and Citizenship of Roraima suspected of crimes such as drug trafficking, association for trafficking, embezzlement, passive corruption, malfeasance, administrative law and laundering of money.

According to investigators, “an intense negotiation of ammunition and weapons by the suspects was identified, in violation of legal and regulatory provisions, reaffirming the criminal conduct carried out”.

In a note, state deputy Rarison Barbosa said he was “surprised” to see his name linked to the investigation. “I don’t know the reasons why I was associated with this operation, as I was never involved in illicit activities, especially with regard to arms trade,” the deputy posted.