Relson Gracie is a 9th Degree red belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the brother of Rickson and Royce Gracie and one of the oldest members of the Gracie Family. Relson was arrested around dawn on Saturday 25th January as he was driving down the Presidente Dutra Highway between Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paulo. According to local newspaper O Dia, he was indicted for Drug trafficking as he was transporting Skunk and Marijuana derivatives. If convicted, the martial arts teacher is looking at somewhere between 5 to 15 years in prison due to local laws.

The newspaper goes on to reveal that the arrest took place in Pirai, south of Rio De Janeiro when Relson’s bus was investigated by two K-9 dogs who found the narcotics in a suitcase. Police apparently found vials of Skunk and even stronger Marijuana along with other derivatives of the drug in a multitude of forms, ranging from Cream and Oil to Grass.

The evidence against him is strong to begin with but the police also found a plane ticket for an international flight in the suitcase. The ticket was booked as going from Los Angeles, USA to Sao Paulo, Brasil which has led officers to suspect that the narcotics were brought into the country from the US by Relson Gracie.

The arrest comes for Relson at the age of 66 years old, after a life dedicated to training in BJJ and spreading his knowledge of the sport throughout Hawaii and other areas. The son of Helio Gracie, his side of the legendary family is known for valuing the image of the sport having previously not allowed instructors to use drugs, have face tattoos, dreadlocks or be overweight.

Interestingly, Relson Gracie has also hosted numerous self-defense to the U.S Military, Secret Service, D.E.A, F.B.I and various local law enforcement agencies across the United States.