Morro do Barão

Did anyone ever tell you about the time Morro do Barão made headlines? It wasn’t for its breathtaking views or vibrant community. No, Morro do Barão, part of the São José Operário Complex in Jacarepaguá, became infamous for a horrific crime. A collective assault on a young woman brought unwanted attention to this favela, usually overshadowed by its more notorious neighbors. Morro do Barão is controlled by the Comando Vermelho (CV), a powerful drug faction. This sets it apart in a region largely dominated by militias. The CV’s control extends throughout the São José Operário Complex, spanning populous areas like Campinho, Covanca, Taquara, and Praça Seca. You can access Morro do Barão via Rua da Baronesa, the main road leading into the favela. Interestingly, the CV’s rule here was not always a given. Militias had pushed out drug gangs from much of the West Zone in the early 2000s. But in the last few years, the drug trade has returned to Morro do Barão. Initially, the militias reportedly sold the rights back to the gangs, allowing the drug trade to flourish once more. The CV clashed with the Amigos dos Amigos (ADA) faction for control. This bloody feud claimed at least twelve lives throughout 2012 and 2013. The CV ultimately triumphed, solidifying their hold on Morro do Barão. This control stems from Luiz Cláudio Machado, known as “Marreta.” He commands the drug operations from his prison cell in Bangu. His orders are carried out by his representative, Sérgio Luiz da Silva Júnior, also known as “Lobo Mau,” “Pará,” or most commonly, “Da Russa”. There’s even a reward offered for information leading to Da Russa’s capture. So, Morro do Barão isn’t just a peak on the map. It’s a complex place steeped in a turbulent history of gang warfare, militia control, and tragic events.