The Federal Police (PF) of Amazonas, which coordinates the security forces in Operation Javari, reported this Thursday (9) that Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, 41, known as the Pelado, had traces of blood on the ship. in the act last Tuesday (7). He was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs and limited-use .762 ammunition. He also carried a hunting weapon. It is suspected that he may be involved in the disappearance of British journalist Dom Phillips and native Bruno Pereira.

Operation Jawari – Photo: Social Communication – SR/PF/AM/ND

“The provisional arrest of the suspect has already been requested and the collected materials are being sent to Manaus by a Black Hawk tactical helicopter for examination,” the corporation said in a statement.

Phillips, who works for the British newspaper The Guardian, and Pereira, a licensed employee of the National Indian Foundation (Funai), were last seen on Sunday morning (5) in the Vale do Javari indigenous reserve area, the second largest in the country, with more than 8.5 million hectares. They were moving from the coastal village of San Rafael to the city of Atalaya do Norte (AM) when they disappeared without a trace. The indigenous resident has already stated that he is threatened in the region, the information was confirmed by the PF, which opened an investigative procedure for this complaint. Bruno Pereira worked for the Union of Indigenous Organizations of the Javari Valley (Univaja), an organization supported by the region’s indigenous peoples.

The Javari Valley is home to 26 indigenous ethnic groups, most of which have isolated or recent contacts. In addition, it is located on the border with Peru and is a route for international drug trafficking. An area considered dangerous by the authorities.

Also, according to a memo released by the Amazonas Federal Police Department, over the past 24 hours, Operation Javari searched for rivers in the area of ​​the Ithaqua River, the last location of Bruno Pereira and Phillips House. According to the balance sheet, approximately 100 kilometers (km) were covered by the Ithaqua Canal and its tributaries.

“We reached out to all communities along the route, especially in Santa Cruz, Cachoeira, San Gabriel and San Rafael. In addition to the riverine searches, aerial reconnaissance was carried out along the route from Atalaya do Norte to the Funai base at the entrance to the territory of the indigenous peoples of Vale do Zhavari, covering points of interest for the search for missing persons and investigations, ”says note. At the moment, the cost of the operation is 684 thousand reais.

Yesterday (8), a crisis committee formed by various public security forces coordinated by the UF reported that more than 250 specialists are involved in the operation, including jungle search and rescue specialists, as well as two aircraft, three drones, 16 ships and 20 transport funds. Authorities have said the searches will continue on an ongoing basis, with no deadline, until a decision is made to suspend or change strategy.

Great Britain

Earlier in a note published on social networks, the disappearance was commented on by the acting British Ambassador to Brazil, Melanie Hopkins. “We are deeply concerned that British journalist Dominic Phillips and indigenous representative Bruno Pereira have still not been found. We understand that this is still a difficult time for their families and friends.” The British government is providing consular support to the Phillips family and is in close contact with Brazil’s top authorities to keep abreast of search and rescue efforts, the diplomat said.

“We understand that the remoteness of the region creates significant logistical challenges, and we have already asked the Brazilian government to do everything possible to support the investigation of this case. We appreciate the help provided so far,” he added.

On social media, President Jair Bolsonaro said this Thursday that the navy, army and air force, as well as the foreign ministry and the federal police, among other agencies, are working “intensively” to find the missing. “We want to solve this problem and comfort the family members,” Bolsonaro said.