Security tighten in Brazil's Rio ahead of World Cup in June

Rio de Janeiro has deployed 2,000 police officers in the streets to guarantee security in the city ahead of the World Soccer Cup in June.

The security plan was anticipated due to the increase of violent actions and deaths in residential areas and favelas (slums), said Secretary of Security of Rio de Janeiro state, Jose Mariano Beltrame, who admitted a gradual increase in crime since the second half of last year.

"We will fight crime, specially the wave of violence unleashed in the past few weeks in favelas over which drug trafficking gangs are trying to regain control," he said.

Beltrame said the operation is aimed at wiping out crime and neutralizing gangs to secure peace and quiet during the World Soccer Cup - June 12 - July 12.

"Taking into account the expertience last year in the FIFA Confederations Cup and the World Youth Day, we don't expect any serious incident in the world competition," he said.

Besides the police plan, the Armed Forces are ready to act with a task force in case any serious incident gets our of control during the World Soccer Cup, he added.