Operation seizes timber shipment containing cocaine in MT and MS in possible largest trafficking case in Brazil
Approximately 260 tonnes of timber concealed drug in liquid form mixed into the cargo structure. Action involved the Federal Revenue Service, Federal Police, Army and international cooperation.
Operation seizes timber shipment containing cocaine in MT and MS in possible largest trafficking case in Brazil
A joint operation conducted in the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul resulted in the seizure of approximately 260 tonnes of timber suspected of transporting cocaine on a large scale. The action, which involved agents from the Federal Revenue Service, Federal Police and Brazilian Army, also counted on collaboration from authorities in the United States and Bolivia.
The drug was concealed within the timber structure itself, using a sophisticated technique in which cocaine in liquid form is mixed with the material. This method hinders identification during inspections at ports, roads and borders, as it alters the appearance of the cargo and allows the transport of illicit substances alongside apparently legal products.
According to information shared by US intelligence and the Bolivian Customs Authority, the authorities had been monitoring the scheme before intercepting eight trucks in the border region. Four vehicles were detained in Corumbá (MS) and another four in Cáceres (MT). A drug-detection dog reinforced the suspicions during inspections.
Preliminary tests indicated the presence of the drug, although definitive confirmation depends on laboratory analyses conducted by the Federal Police. Based on previous seizures using the same method, it is estimated that between 10% and 20% of the total weight may correspond to cocaine — which would represent 20 to 50 tonnes of the substance.
If confirmed, the volume would place this operation as the largest cocaine seizure in Brazilian history and one of the largest ever recorded worldwide. The investigations also point to similarities with a seizure of approximately 100 tonnes carried out in Chile in early June, reinforcing the suspicion of transnational criminal organisation activity.
The cargo was destined for the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraná. The trucks remain under surveillance whilst forensic work continues to determine the exact volume seized.
Source: G1
Source: Google News BR — Crime