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Brazilian drug traffickers open fire on Santa Claus



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NOT even Santa Claus is safe as the violent city of Rio de Janeiro celebrates Christmas.
Drug traffickers opened fire on a helicopter ferrying a Santa to a children's party, after apparently mistaking it for a police chopper. "They thought it was a police operation and started shooting. Luckily, nobody was hurt," a police official said.

Two bullet holes were later found in its fuselage.

Police said the pilot was flying towards Rio's Nova Mare slum when it was fired upon when over the neighbouring Vila Joao shanty town. Most of Rio's 700-plus slums are controlled by drug traffickers. They are not regularly patrolled by police, who instead enter them in military-style raids, often using helicopters and armoured vehicles.

Needless to say, Santa didn't let the children down. He later returned to Nova Mare by car to distribute Christmas presents.



The full article contains 150 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 18 December 2007 10:15 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

airmick,

Delaware USA 19/12/2007 06:07:37
Good grief Santa, don't forget the bullet proof vest, or perhaps a armoured sleigh!
2

donald,

glasgow 19/12/2007 08:34:16
The helicopter will be for delivering nice presents to the rich kids and dropping rubbish in the slums.
3

American,

USA 19/12/2007 18:04:49
#2-donald-Would you want to visit the slums??

 

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