Federal forces to be mobilized for more slum occupations in Rio

The date for the beginning of a series of operations by the federal forces in the 15 favelas that make up the Complexo da Maré, in northern Rio de Janeiro, is expected to be set this week, says Public Security Secretary José Mariano Beltrame. The occupations will be thoroughly planned during a meeting with the Ministry of Defense.

Lieutenant-Colonel Cláudio da Costa, a spokesman from the Military Police, reported that the raid on Sunday Morning (Mar. 30) was successful and that the community, home to 120 thousand residents, was brought under control by the occupation forces in 15 minutes. 1,180 military police officers as well as 130 agents from the civil police were involved, aided by the federal police, the highway police and 250 marines.

The first data released by the Security Secretary of the State of Rio de Janeiro reveal that half a ton of marijuana has been confiscated, along with a large number of weapons, including two machine guns. Over 118 people were arrested, among whom 13 while the operation was being conducted, and 105 on the encirclement formed around the area during the action.

The Complexo da Maré is a strategic point for security forces, as it is a slum complex located near the avenues leading to other key regions of both the city and the country, including the International Airport of Rio de Janeiro.

“We’ve gotten into the community and we’re here to stay. The police will remain present and installing more Police Pacification Units,” Costa declared.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira