The gang leader reportedly planned to leave his 19-year-old daughter in jail (Picture AP)

The leader of a notorious drug trafficking gang wore a creepy rubber mask and a wig as he tried to escape prison dressed as his teenage daughter.

But Clauvino da Silva’s nervousness as he tried to walk out of the main entrance gave him away, according to prison officials.

He apparently planned to leave his 19-year-old daughter inside the prison after she came to visit him.

Police are investigating her possible role as an accomplice in Saturday’s failed escape attempt from Gericino prison, in western Rio de Janeiro.

Rio’s State Secretary of Prison Administration released photos showing da Silva, also known as ‘Shorty’ wearing a silicon mask, a long dark-haired wig, tight jeans and a pink shirt with a cartoon image of doughnuts.

The mask, wig and women’s clothing used by Clauvino da Silva (Picture: AP)
The Brazilian drug trafficker, also known as ‘Shorty’ tried to walk out of the front entrance (Picture: AP)
He was caught wearing the disguise of nightmares (Picture: AP)
His teenage daughter is being investigated for her role in the escape attempt (Picture: AP)
What aa Silva actually looks like (Picture: AP)

They also released a video in which da Silva can be seen removing the mask and some of the clothes, and saying his full name.

Authorities say da Silva was part of the leadership of the Red Command, one of the most powerful criminal groups in Brazil that controlled drug trafficking in a large part of Rio.

After the failed escape bid, da Silva was transferred to maximum-security prison and will face disciplinary sanctions.