the beginning of modern organized crime in rio can be traced to brazil's challenging state of economy of the late 70's and early 80's. paired with the consequentially weakened police structure in the city, and with increasingly scarce employment opportunities within the city it was possible for drug trafficking to take hold on an unprecedented scale.

what originally started as a minor and disorganized cocaine trade quickly became an industry dominated by well organized and ever better armed criminal organizations operating from within rio's favelas and restricting police access to these areas. these were the years that caused rio's reputation to become polluted by news of crime and danger as opposed to attention being drawn to the natural beauty and extraordinary culture of this city.