Angry over police raid, Sao Paulo slum residents torch buses and cars in protest

Brazil slum residents torch cars after drug raid

SAO PAULO — A police anti-drug raid in a Sao Paulo slum has enraged inhabitants who burned vehicles and tires in protest.

CBN Radio says residents set fire to a van, a bus and a truck during 90 minutes of upheaval in the Tiqautira neighborhood.

CBN says police arrested a group of young men suspected of being drug dealers.

News footage broadcast by Bandeirantes TV showed heavily armed riot officers arriving at the scene Wednesday. Firefighters doused the gutted vehicles.

It was not immediately clear whether anyone was injured. Police could not confirm reports of arrests or give other details.

Raids on Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro slums frequently set off gunbattles between gangs and police in search of drugs, weapons and suspects.