Edinho used to be a reserve goalkeeper for Santos

Edson Cholbi Nascimento, known as Edinho, 35, was one of at least 17 people held during an operation to smash a cocaine trafficking gang.

He has not been charged, but police said he was being questioned on suspicion of trafficking.

In 1999 he was jailed for six years for his part in a street car race in which a motorcyclist was killed.

Edinho never enjoyed his father's success on the field, playing as a reserve goalkeeper for Santos.

Kidnap link?

Police seized weapons and vehicles during a series of raids in Santos, about 210 miles (340km) from Rio de Janeiro.

Edinho was expected to be questioned by anti-drugs police involved in the operation, believed to have been planned for eight months, reports said.

Authorities are also investigating reports that the gang was connected to the kidnap last year of the mother of current Brazilian star Robinho, the AFP news agency said.

Marina Souza was freed in late December after a $200,000 (£110,000) dollar ransom was paid.

Edinho retired from football in 1999, the same year as his murder conviction.

He was sentenced to six years in prison on a work release scheme.