Americas News
Seven suspects die in police raid in Rio de Janeiro slum
Mar 12, 2010, 13:43 GMT
Rio de Janeiro - At least seven people died Thursday during an anti-drug raid by Rio de Janeiro's police on Brazil's largest slum.
According to Rio authorities, all those killed were criminals who were part of the gang led by Antonio Francisco Lopes, known by the alias 'Nem,' who commands drug trafficking within the Rocinha favela, or slum.
One child unrelated to the drug trade was injured in the shootout and had to be taken to hospital, although police said his life was not in danger.
Police confiscated three rifles and four guns during the raid.
Around 200 officers took part in the raid, with the support of three helicopters and two armoured vehicles.
Rio de Janeiro is set to host in 2016 the first Olympic Games ever held in South America, magnifying concerns about crime levels in the city.
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