MANAUS, BRAZIL - Eight people were arrested in the state of Amazonas during a Civil Police operation targeting a criminal organization with operations in five other Brazilian states, authorities said.

According to investigators, the group maintained a political wing with access to the legislative, executive and judicial branches, structured to support drug trafficking activities in the state.

Six additional suspects were arrested in other parts of the country during the operation. Authorities said the group facilitated the hiring of shell companies in the transportation and logistics sectors to purchase drugs in Colombia and ship them to Manaus.

From the Amazonian capital, the narcotics were allegedly distributed to other Brazilian states.

Those under investigation may face charges including criminal organization, drug trafficking conspiracy, active and passive corruption, breach of official secrecy, money laundering and asset concealment.

Amazon Agency