Brazilian footballers caught up in major drug and arms trafficking probe

Brazilian football was caught up in a major police investigation on Monday, after coordinated raids targeting a suspected criminal organisation involved in drug and arms trafficking were carried out across several states.

Around 100 police officers took part in the operation, which resulted in four arrest warrants and 15 search warrants being executed. Investigators also searched the homes of professional footballers and a club training facility as part of a probe into alleged links between athletes and organised crime.

Vasco da Gama forward David Correa, also known as DVD, was among those targeted. Police raided his home in Rio de Janeiro's upscale Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood, seizing phones and documents before searching Vasco's training ground. The 30-year-old left the facility without speaking to reporters.

Police in Espirito Santo said the investigation was focused on suspected connections between professional athletes and organised crime. The operation, codenamed A Tropa, is aimed at gathering evidence and dismantling the criminal network under investigation.

Vila Nova right-back Hayner Cordeiro, who is on loan from Santos, was also targeted, with investigators searching his home and locker. Hayner denied any wrongdoing, saying the suspicion stemmed from a childhood friendship with a person under investigation from the same Espirito Santo neighbourhood where he grew up.

Reports from G1 and GloboNews also named Renyer Oliveira, a Santos academy product who now plays for Parana-based club Azuriz. He was reportedly briefly detained for contempt during the proceedings, although Azuriz later denied any involvement on his part and said he had continued training normally.

Vasco da Gama confirmed that it was fully cooperating with the investigation. Club director Admar Lopes said the club's position was one of cooperation with the authorities and confirmed that Correa would continue training normally and remain available for matches pending further developments.

Vila Nova also expressed support for Hayner, saying he continued carrying out his professional activities normally and had always demonstrated professionalism while fulfilling his sporting obligations.

Correa remains available for selection for now, having scored the decisive third goal in Vasco's 3-1 victory over Cruzeiro at the weekend. The result ended an eight-match winless run in Brazil's Serie A.

The forward has made 21 league appearances this season, although his longer-term future could depend on how the investigation develops.

Vasco are also preparing for a Copa Sudamericana quarter-final against Colombian side Independiente Santa Fe next week