Maria Rosinilda Pantoja Sena, aged 33, died late on Friday while in custody at the Integrated Center for Public Safety Operations (Ciosp) in the Pacoval neighborhood of Macapá. She had recently been arrested by the Organized Crime Investigation Division (Draco) in Igarapé da Fortaleza, Santana, on suspicions of drug trafficking and links with a criminal organization operating in the state. The arrest unfolded without incident, except for an attempt by Sena to destroy her phone during the process, which was ultimately recovered by the officers.

Investigating officer Estéfano Santos reported that Sena did not indicate any health issues or the ingestion of illegal substances before her death. The circumstances surrounding her passing led to a necropsy, which uncovered multiple packages of drugs concealed within her stomach, suggesting she may have ingested them prior to her detention in an attempt to transport drugs covertly. This alarming revelation has raised further questions about the conditions of her detention and the protocols followed by the police during such high-stakes arrests.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in Brazil regarding drug trafficking, particularly in regions like Amapá, where criminal organizations are deeply entrenched. The implications of such cases are profound, as they not only reflect on the efficacy of the justice system but also on the health and safety of those detained. As investigations continue, it remains crucial to assess the procedural standards in handling suspects suspected of drug-related offenses.