Helicopter carrying Santa targeted by Rio's drug gangs

Suspected drug dealers fired gunshots at a helicopter flying Santa Claus into a Rio de Janeiro slum to deliver presents to children.

After coming under fire, the pilot flew back to a heliport, where, undeterred, the man dressed as Santa hopped in a car to head back to the Baixa do Sapateiro favela, or slum neighbourhood, for the Christmas party on Sunday, according to police.

Charles Goncalves, the president of the Baixa do Sapateiro Neighbours Association, said his group picked up the Santa after he called to tell them about the incident.



"The party continued with more than 1000 people, including parents and children,'' he said.

No one was injured in the attack, but at least two bullet holes were found on the helicopter.

Police blamed the attack on drug traffickers at war with a rival gang in the nearby Vila Joao favela.