Brazilian police cracked down on drug dealers in poor neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, at least 18 being killed in the ensuing gunbattles.

Brazilian authorities decided it was time to root out drug trafficking in one of the country’s largest cities, putting on an impressive display of force, as a number of 1,300 security troops stormed the outskirts of Rio early Wednesday.  

The regions known as favela serve as hideouts for gangs and criminals, where policemen are attacked on a daily basis with firearms. Police forces entered the impoverished neighbourhoods in armored cars, but immediately took heavy fire from several delinquents.

The security forces retaliated and killed 18 alleged drug and arms dealers, while eight bystanders were caught in the fire exchange and wounded, Brazilian media reported.

Wednesday’s action is part of a larger operation initiated on May 2 in the wake of the Pan American Games, due to kick off on July 13 in Rio de Janeiro. Therefore, it is very clear the authorities’ intention to root out any possible threats for the athletes and tourists that will arrive in the area, even if police officials denied these suppositions.

Security in Rio will be boosted by 2,000 officers of the National Security Force, known being the bad reputation Rio has because of violence that kills dozens of persons every week.