Ex-Hizballah member arrested in Brazil for drug trafficking

Brazilian police have arrested a Lebanese former member of the Shia militant group Hizballah who was wanted for international drug trafficking, state media reported.

Fadi Hassan Nabha, 42, was arrested on Thursday in a suburb of Sao Paulo as Brasilian authorities continue a roundup of suspects linked to terrorism ahead of the Rio Olympics.

Nabha had been banned from Brazil since May and had been wanted by Interpol for drug trafficking since 2013.

Nabha had served in Hizballah's special services and had weapons and explosives training, according to police.

In February, the US Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Hizballah members on charges they used millions of dollars from the sale of cocaine in the US and Europe to purchase weapons in Syria.

Hizballah is thought to be linked to cannabis plantations across Lebanon's Bekaa Valley and production has reportedly surged since the conflict in Syria began. Hizballah denies the allegations.

Brazil has bolstered security for the August 5-21 Olympics.

Brazilian officials arrested a man in Rio on terrorism charges last week and caught 12 others affiliated with what they have called an "amateur" IS-linked group preparing attacks in the past week.

Authorities are on high alert following attacks in France and Germany in recent weeks.