Pele’s son arrested in drugs raid

EDSON do Nascimento, son of Brazilian football legend Pele, was arrested on suspicion of being a member of a drug trafficking and kidnapping gang, police said yesterday.

The 35-year-old ‘Edinho,’ as the son is known, was detained with 17 other people. The gang is alleged to have links with other criminal gangs operating in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Police said they believe the gang was involved in the kidnapping of the mother of Brazilian footballer Robinho last year.

The woman, Marina Souza, was freed in late December after a $200,000 ransom had been paid for her release.

Some 70 police officers participated in the arrests in Sao Paulo, which also netted weapons and 11 vehicles, according to media reports.

Edinho is a former footballer with the Santos club, where Pele also played.