Reptile shock for Rio drug police

By Gary Duffy
BBC News, Sao Paulo

The reptiles were found at the house of an alleged drug dealer's mother-in-law

Brazilian police say they have seized two caimans - small alligator-like reptiles - during an operation against drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro.

They were looking for the leader of a drugs gang in one of Rio's shanty towns - known as favelas - when they came across the caimans in a backyard.

The police say drug gangs use the animals to intimidate opponents and get rid of bodies.

The reptiles have now been handed over to a local zoo.

A senior officer told the newspaper O Globo that caimans were a symbol of power for traffickers, who would kill their rivals and then give the bodies to the animals.

Drug gangs in the city of Rio de Janeiro are known for their often brutal methods, but the police seem to believe their tactics for spreading fear are more unorthodox than previously thought.

Television images showed police officers carefully placing the caimans in the back of a truck.

One was almost 2m (6.5ft) long, although the other appeared to be much smaller.

The police say as well as finding the animals, they arrested three people and seized several guns and a small quantity of drugs.

The two caimans were found in a house belonging to the mother-in-law of an alleged drug dealer.