Federal police in Brazil have arrested 279 suspected drug dealers in the southern state of Parana following a recent announcement of a major crackdown on crime in the country.

According to an official statement, as a result of a large-scale special operation in seven largest cities of the region over the weekend, police seized 1.2 metric tons of marijuana, 3.5 kilograms of cocaine, 3.7 kilograms of ''crack,'' 52 small arms and a variety of stolen vehicles.

Brazil, whose capital Rio de Janeiro has been chosen to host the 2016 Olympics, is well-known for its high rates of violent crimes related to drug trade and alcoholism.

Over 40 people, including three police officers, were killed in gun battles between police and drug gangs in Rio just two weeks after the Olympic vote.

Following bloody shootouts, Brazilian authorities have pledged to crack down on criminals to ensure safety for the Olympics, and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on October 19 he had instructed the government to allocate about $60 million for this task.