Fake Church Demolished in Rio, Uncovering Drug Traffickers' Hideout

Rio de Janeiro Police Demolish Fake Church Used as Drug Traffickers' Hideout A fake church operating as a hideout for drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro's Complexo do Israel was demolished by authorities on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The operation, conducted by agents from the city's Public Order Secretariat, uncovered a significant amount of evidence linking the structure to the criminal organization TCP (Terceiro Comando Puro). Video footage from the scene shows a yellow excavator tearing down the building's exterior. Following the demolition, police officers are seen inspecting the interior, discovering numerous spent bullet casings scattered on the ground and embedded in the walls. One officer, whose name was not released, stated, "Look at the number of spent cartridges. They were clearly using this place as a stronghold." The discovery of these casings strongly suggests that the building was used for illicit activities and served as a fortified position for the traffickers. The demolition represents a significant blow to the criminal network operating in the Complexo do Israel. The operation underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to dismantle drug trafficking operations in Rio de Janeiro and improve safety for residents in the area. The incident also highlights the lengths to which criminal organizations go to conceal their activities.