Ezequiel de Oliveira Nascimento, the suspect accused of murdering Antônio Esaú dos Santos Silva in January 2023, has been apprehended in Teresina. The incident occurred on January 31, when Silva was shot in the back in Parque Brasil II, a neighborhood in northern Teresina. Nascimento is believed to have acted out of motive associated with a drug trafficking debt, indicating a premeditated act of violence.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Civil Police of Piauí's Department of Homicides and Protection to the Person, utilized security camera footage and witness testimonials to piece together the fatal encounter. The authorities concluded that Silva had no opportunity to defend himself, suggesting a deliberate attack rather than a confrontation. This reflects the ongoing issues related to drug trafficking and violent crime in the region.

Arrests of individuals implicated in drug-related crimes have become increasingly common as law enforcement intensifies its efforts against organized crime in Brazil, particularly in areas affected by drug violence. This case underscores the serious implications of drug debts and the resulting violence within communities, calling attention to the need for comprehensive strategies to combat the drug trafficking epidemic in Brazil.