Brazilian Soccer Referee Arrested for Drug Trafficking in the Middle of a Match
Ederson Carlos da Silva was arrested mid-match in São Paulo for drug trafficking
In an event that stunned players and spectators alike, Brazilian referee Ederson Carlos da Silva was arrested mid-match during an amateur soccer game in the coastal city of Guarujá, São Paulo. The 38-year-old official was apprehended on the field by police officers in bulletproof vests moments before issuing a yellow card.
According to the Military Police, the man was located during the execution of a preventive arrest warrant issued by the 3rd Criminal Court of Guarujá. Authorities allege that da Silva played a pivotal role in a regional drug trafficking network, serving as the logistics coordinator.
The investigation traces back to November 2024, when law enforcement intercepted a truck and arrested five men carrying 450 kilograms of cocaine in São Paulo. Subsequent inquiries led to da Silva, who was reportedly responsible for organizing the storage and distribution of narcotics across the state. In response, the local Narcotics Investigations Unit launched "Operation Santo Amaro" to identify those involved in the drug smuggling operation.
The divisional delegate of the Narcotics Investigations Unit of the State Department, Eduardo Camargo Lima, told G1 that "According to the investigation, [Ederson] was responsible for the logistics and storage of the large quantity of cocaine. He used some houses rented by the criminal organization to store these drugs, which were then distributed."
Glaucus Silva, head of Guarujá's civil police, told Brazilian news outlet G1 that da Silva's active presence on social media facilitated his identification and surveillance. "He was a very active person in public life, which made it easier for us to track him," Silva stated.
The dramatic arrest, captured on video on June 22, quickly went viral, initially showing da Silva about to issue a yellow card after a physical altercation between two players before five men in shorts and bulletproof vests rushed the field. Footage shows da Silva being calmly approached by officers before being handcuffed, with players pausing in confusion. Spectators gasped in disbelief as the referee, still in his official uniform, was led off the pitch.
Da Silva is currently in custody, facing charges related to drug trafficking. He was taken to an Emergency Care Unit (UPA) for a medical examination and then sent to the Guarujá Police Station. Authorities continue to investigate the broader network, with additional suspects reportedly under surveillance.
Originally published on Latin Times
