Rio de Janeiro: Deadly Shootout in Complexo da Maré During Police Operation

Rio de Janeiro: Police Operation in Complexo da Maré Leaves Two Injured, Drug Lord Dead A police operation in Complexo da Maré, a favela complex in Rio de Janeiro's North Zone, resulted in a deadly shootout early Tuesday morning, May 13, 2025. Two police officers sustained injuries during the operation, while the leader of a local drug trafficking ring, known only as "TH da Maré," was killed. The operation involved the elite police unit, the Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais (BOPE). According to initial reports, the shootout took place in the Timbau community within the Complexo da Maré. The incident has left residents shaken and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime in the area. "The impact of this event on the Cariocas is significant," said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous. "We live with this violence every day, but this is another level." The police have launched a full investigation into the incident, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days. The death of "TH da Maré" is a significant blow to the drug trafficking network operating in the area, but the ongoing challenges of crime and violence in Complexo da Maré remain.