Brazilian security forces seized over two tons of marijuana hidden in a shipment of rice originating from Asunción. The drugs were concealed in 90 bales among sacks of the grain, totaling 2,250 kilograms.
The bust took place at a toll booth on the BR277 highway in San Miguel de Iguazú, 47 kilometers from Ciudad del Este. A Scania truck with Paraguayan license plates was pulling the semi-trailer, which had apparently regular documentation for transporting rice destined for Espírito Santo state.
According to Brazil's Border Police Battalion, the inspection was prompted by the strong smell of marijuana coming from the cargo compartment, as well as the driver's nervousness and contradictory statements. During the search, officers located the drugs mixed in with the legal cargo.
In addition to the marijuana, authorities seized 7,430 Brazilian reais, 22,000 Paraguayan guaraníes, and a cell phone. The driver was arrested and handed over to the Federal Police in Foz do Iguaçu, which took over the investigation of the case as it involves a transnational crime.