A Brazilian drug dealer who tried to escape prison dressed as his daughter has been found dead in his cell.

Clauvino da Silva, a 42-year-old leader of one of the most powerful criminal groups in Brazil, Comando Vermelho, was stopped by guards at the prison in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.

He was dressed in a silicon mask, a long-haired dark wig, tight jeans and a pink t-shirt – trying to pass off as his 19-year-old daughter, who had come to visit him.

She had planned to stay behind while he made his getaway.

Guards were alerted after they noticed someone looking suspicious. Video footage of da Silva removing his disguise went viral.