Police occupy slum area in Rio

31/10/2003 - 9h20

Rio, 10/31/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - In response to a gang war that began on Wednesday and left some 12 drug dealers dead, Military Police have occupied the slum area known as Morro do Dendê in the northern Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Ilha do Governador. Police spokesmen say the occupation is for an unlimited period of time so as to restore order and protect homes and inhabitants. (AB)