Brazilian police searched the home of Vasco da Gama striker David Corrêa on Monday as part of a drugs and arms trafficking investigation, officials said. The operation, codenamed "the troop," also led to searches at the club's training ground in Rio de Janeiro, and a second-division player is under investigation.
The Investigation
Espirito Santo police said in a statement that the investigations "seek to gather elements to clear up crimes and dismantle the criminal structure under investigation." The operation was dubbed "the troop," a name those investigated used for the criminal organization, according to officials. According to a report by the Associated Press, the large-scale operation mobilized roughly 100 officers to execute four arrest warrants and 15 search warrants.
The probe focuses on uncovering alleged ties between professional sports figures and organized trafficking rings, police said.
The Players Involved
Corrêa, 30, is one of Vasco's key players and is known by fans as DVD. He left the club's training ground in Rio de Janeiro without commenting on the case. He has played 21 matches for Vasco in the current Brazilian league and scored three goals, the latest on Saturday in the team's 3-1 victory against Cruzeiro.
The other player involved in the investigation is right-back Hayner Cordeiro, currently at second-division club Vila Nova and formerly at Santos.
Club Response
Vasco da Gama said in a statement that it is collaborating with the police of Espirito Santo state, where Corrêa was born. Speaking at a press conference, club director Admar Lopes confirmed the club is "cooperating with authorities." Lopes added that the forward "will continue training normally in the coming days and be available for matches," pending the formal outcome of the investigation.
Further legal developments from the Espirito Santo and Rio de Janeiro police will determine Corrêa's long-term future, according to the club director.