News / Americas

Brazilian Police Take Control of Rio's Largest Slum

Brazilian navy armored vehicles move into Rocinha shantytown in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nov. 13, 2011.
Brazilian navy armored vehicles move into Rocinha shantytown in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nov. 13, 2011.
TEXT SIZE - +

Brazilian authorities say police have taken control of the largest slum in Rio de Janeiro, which has been occupied by drug traffickers for decades.  

Hundreds of police invaded the notorious Rocinha as well as the nearby Vidigal "favela" (slum) early Sunday.

The operation went off without any incidents or shots fired. Authorities had announced their planned takeover earlier in the week.

Rocinha, a sprawling hillside community of about 100,000 people, lies near some of Rio's richest neighborhoods. Its central location has made it one of the city's main drug distribution points.

Security forces have occupied 19 slums over the past three years as part of a police campaign to stabilize Rio's security before its hosts the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.

Brazilian officials say more than 1.5 million people in Rio de Janeiro live in 1,000 slums spread across the city.

Some information for this report was provided by AP.

You May Like

Video Star Trek Influence Lives Long and Prospers

As new movie thrills, many are once again discussing the iconic franchise's influence on society, science and technology More

OECD: Developing Green Cities Key to Sustainable Future

OECD suggests strategies to mitigate rapid growth, industrialization in urban centers, which produce about two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions More

Video Safe Rooms Saved Lives in Tornado Disaster

Safety experts say more safe rooms are needed in areas where tornadoes frequently strike More

This forum has been closed.
Comments
     
There are no comments in this forum. Be first and add one

Featured Videos

Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Video

Video Volunteers Help Revive LA's Concrete River

The Los Angeles River is a concrete drainage channel through much of its 80-kilometer length. It channels waste-water from storm drains and has become a receptacle for much of the city's trash. But as Mike O'Sullivan reports, the river is slowly being restored with the help of volunteers, who take part in an annual clean-up.

More Americas News

Video Free Market Reforms Needed to Fix Venezuela's Socialist Economic Problems

High inflation, shortage of staple goods are leading many on both sides of this politically-divided country to question its current economic course
More

Shakespeare's Sonnets Come to Life in New App

Created by Britain's Touch Press, the app features commentary, information, and aims to bring the bard's sonnets to the masses
More

Scientists Ponder Damage to Water System

Scientists meet in Bonn on human effects on freshwater
More

Poor Countries Lack Modern Contraception

Guttmacher Institute says many couples now desire smaller families
More

Indian, Brazilian Nationals Sentenced in US for Human Smuggling

Prosecutors say the two charged Indian citizens up to $60,000 for providing them passage into the United States
More

Former Argentine Dictator Videla Dies in Prison

Rights expert says 'dirty war' secrets die with 87-year-old military junta chief, who was unrepentant to end about kidnappings, killings
More