“Organic material” that is “apparently human” has been found in a river near the port of Atalaya do Norte, located on the edge of the remote Javari Valley in the far western state of Amazonas, according to a Brazilian federal police statement. Police said they collected genetic material from both Pereira and Phillips for comparative analysis.
Philips and Pereira were doing research for a book project about conservation efforts in the region, which authorities described as “difficult” and “dangerous.”
The area is under increasing threat from illegal miners, loggers, hunters and international drug traffickers who exploit its extensive river network.
Five other people have also been questioned in connection with the couple’s disappearance, police said.
The Crisis Committee of the Federal Police said that “river searches and aerial reconnaissance” have been conducted in Rio Itacua over the past 24 hours.
