On the morning of February 19, the Civil Police of Paraíba conducted Operation Torniquete, executing 11 preventive arrest warrants across Itaporanga and Piancó in Paraíba, as well as in João Dourado in Bahia. This operation led to the arrest of eight suspects, all believed to be part of a larger criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and a series of homicides. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in the region.

In addition to the arrests, the police seized a significant amount of cash, totaling R$ 7,000, along with gold jewelry, credit cards, social benefit cards, mobile phones, a motorcycle, and a car. This haul was discovered in the possession of one of the group's leaders, indicating their involvement in financial activities linked to crime. The police have established that four arrests were made in Itaporanga, two in Piancó, and two in João Dourado, with three other suspects already in custody in different prisons.

Nine of the 11 targets of this operation have criminal records for serious offenses, including homicide and drug trafficking. The Paraíba Civil Police are continuing their investigation into the organization, emphasizing the importance of dismantling such criminal networks to enhance public safety and reduce crime rates in the region, which has been significantly impacted by violence connected to drug crime.