At least 18 suspects and several police officers were killed Tuesday during a massive anti-drug raid in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian authorities said.
"So far, we have 56 arrests and 18 criminals neutralized," Rio State Governor Claudio Castro told a press conference.
He described the operation, which involved 2,500 officers and targeted a suspected drug-trafficking ring at a favela in Rio, as the "largest in the history" of the state.
Police officers escort suspects arrested during the Operacao Contencao (Operation Containment) out of the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday. AFP
Police officers taking part in the Operacao Contencao (Operation Containment) walk their way out of t the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday. AFP
Rio de Janeiro’s governor Claudio Castro (C) speaks during a press conference about the Operacao Contencao (Operation Containment) held at Alemao and Penha complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday. AFP
