Pele's son arrested for drug-trafficking
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-06-07 17:13

The son of former soccer star Pele, Edson do Nascimento "Edinho," was arrested Monday along with 17 other people for their presumed involvement in drug-trafficking and kidnapping in Brazil.

Ronaldo Freitas, right, suspected drug dealer, is taken under custody in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Monday June 6, 2005. Edson Cholbi Nascimento, the son of soccer legend Pele, was arrested Monday in an operation to dismantle a drug gang in southeastern Brazil, police said. Nascimento, 35, was arrested along with some 50 other people after an eight-month investigation into a cocaine trafficking operation in the port city of Santos, some 44 miles (70 kilometers) southeast of Sao Paulo, said Antonio Carlos Silveira, a spokesman for Sao Paulo's state police. [AP]

Anti-narcotics officials said Edinho, the former goalkeeper of traditional soccer team Santos, was captured in Santos harbor, as he is supposedly involved in a criminal ring.

With respect to this arrest, Pele's reaction is not known. He is considered as the best player ever.

The Department of Anti-Narcotics Investigation said that 11 automobiles and a number of arms were seized from the ring.

According to the local press, it is suspected this ring could be involved in the kidnapping of the mother of international Robinho, Marina Souza, who was kept as a hostage for 41 days before being released by her captors, who remain unknown until now.

Among the 18 detainees there is a man identified as Naldinho, who is considered a friend of Robinho, of the Brazilian players who have suffered from extortive kidnapping of relatives, mostly mothers.

Close

Heat VS Pistons David Beckham contributes to youth soccer NBA Eastern Conference Finals

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Growing China is no threat to the world - Tang         New rules to help private businesses         Rains, floods leave 180 dead or missing         No corruption found in Games preparation         Special care slated for 'big exam' sitters         US, North Korean officials meet in New York	IOC report of 2012 bid cities favors Paris       Arsenal slap ￡50M on Barcelona target Henry       Nadal has no illusions about Wimbledon       Safin wins, could miss Wimbledon       Gong Ruina quits national team       Germany, France win at women's Euro 2005