Since 2020, the National Judicial Police Unit against Drug Trafficking (UNCTE/PJ) has been investigating the case of “Antoniozinho,” the nickname of Antonio Tavares López. After two prison terms (one served in Portugal, the other in France), the 45-year-old suspect specialized in importing drugs into the country from the Dominican Republic. He hired several middlemen to smuggle suitcases of cocaine out of the Caribbean country. “Antoniozinho” was the leader of a network whose main purpose was to sell drugs throughout the country and even in other European countries.
UNCTE/PJ scored small victories over the group. Since 2021, approximately 400 kilograms of cocaine from the António Tavares López network have been seized. At the same time, the suspect continued to attempt to smuggle various types of drugs through national ports.
The SP finally managed to arrest him on Tuesday. Three other alleged members of the network were brought in for questioning and all were released by prosecutors.Antoniozinho was the only one to appear before the judge on Wednesday. He has been charged with drug trafficking and criminal association. The police seized 40 thousand euros, a pistol, five cars and a luxury watch.