Drug lord killed in shootout

AAP
Oct. 30, 2005

POLICE have killed the head of a drug-trafficking gang who controlled Rio de Janeiro's biggest slum in a shootout.

Erismar Rodrigues Moreira, known as Bem-Te-Vi, was the most wanted man in the crime-ridden city. He was known for carrying gold-plated weapons and was said to be popular with some in the Rocinha slum because he helped provide for their needs.

The clash early today lasted about an hour after a force of 100 police raided Rocinha in an operation called Trojan Horse aimed at arresting Moreira, aged 29, officials said. Traffickers fought back with rifle fire and grenades.

"He resisted arrest, the gangsters tried to protect him and the police didn't let him get away," Rio police chief Alavaro Lins said.

Moieira was shot in the head and chest. A gold-plated Glock 9 mm pistol was found at his side. Three slum dwellers were wounded in the clash and a fourth person believed to be a trafficker was killed.

Police units stayed in Rocinha controlling entrances to the shantytown today but witnesses reported renewed gunfire in the afternoon, with residents running for cover. Residents talking to local media said they feared a power struggle could erupt in Rocinha in the next few days.

State Security secretary Marcelo Itigaba told Government news agency Radiobras undercover units had gone into the slum several days ago.

"We are going to continue with our work. Taking out criminals is a task that has a beginning and a middle but no end," Mr Itigaba said.

Rocinha, with a population of about 100,000 people, is reputed to be the largest slum in Latin America. Bem-Tem-Vi was said to have controlled the drug trade there since April last year, when police killed former chief Luciano Barbosa da Silva.

Police investigations had linked Moreira to several top Brazilian soccer players.

Gangs control most of Rio's slums, which are bases for the sale of cocaine and other drugs to Rio residents of all classes. Gang warfare often spills out in the streets, even closing main thoroughfares in the seaside city.