Journalist Marcelo Carrião, former SBT presenter, was arrested last Wednesday (28), in Santos, São Paulo. The suspicion is that Carrião supplied drugs to a criminal group. In addition to him, six more suspects were arrested in the same operation, carried out by the State Department of Criminal Investigations (Deic).
Defense alleges own consumption
Marcelo Carrião’s defense stated in testimony that the drug found in the journalist’s home was for his personal use. Lawyer Marcelo Cruz said that Carrião took ownership of the drug, claiming its personal use and that 900 grams of marijuana were seized.
“He has a public image and, to avoid being recognized in places where drugs are sold, when he could, he acquired a larger quantity,” commented Cruz. SBT, in a statement, stated that Carrião was dismissed from the company in January 2019 and has nothing to say about what happened.
Journalistic Career
Marcelo Carrião had joined SBT in 2012, where he worked as a reporter and news presenter. Previously, he had worked at Record, between 2005 and 2011, and at TV Mar, an affiliate of TV Manchete, from 1993 to 2005.
Operation in Baixada Santista
The operation targeted the drug supply in Baixada Santista and carried out nine search and seizure warrants in Santos and São Vicente. The individuals arrested range in age from 19 to 51 years old.
The investigation began after the arrest of two women suspected of trafficking, who allegedly operated a “drug hotline” service. With their statements, in addition to the messages and calls on seized cell phones, investigators reached Carrião as a suspect in the drug sales scheme in the Gonzaga neighborhood, in Santos.
Operation Results
The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 4 thousand portions of drugs such as marijuana, hashish, skunk and LSD. Several cell phones and a 9 mm pistol were also seized. The six arrested individuals, together with Carrião, were taken to the General Investigations Police Station (DIG) and the 2nd Narcotics Police Station, and charged with drug trafficking, criminal association and illegal possession of a firearm.
Carrião’s defense will seek habeas corpus, claiming that he has a fixed residence, duly proven employment and does not present any risks to the investigation.