Brazilian authorities seized part of what is believed to be the explosive material used in the bank mega-robbery that took place on Tuesday, June 16, in Santa Rita, Alto Paraná. The seizure occurred during a patrol along the border area on Friday night, June 20, and resulted in the arrest of two occupants of a Hyundai Santa Fe pickup truck, who were taken to the Federal Police in Foz do Iguaçu.
The joint operation involved the Integrated Force to Combat Organized Crime (FICCO/PR), the Border Police Battalion (BPFron), the BOPE Bomb Squad, and the 14th Military Police Battalion of Itaipulândia, Paraná state. Around 10:53 p.m., agents spotted the vehicle acting suspiciously in a rural area near the border, in the San José do Itavó neighborhood, a region known for smuggling, drug trafficking, and arms dealing.
Initially, nothing illegal was found on the occupants. However, during the vehicle inspection, police discovered a bag on the back seat containing a substance resembling explosive emulsion, with signs that a detonating cord was already attached. Due to the risk, the explosive incident protocol was activated, and the Bomb Squad team from Curitiba was called in to carry out technical procedures on site.
The two suspects were taken to the Federal Police in Foz do Iguaçu, where a cellphone was also seized. The investigation is now focused on determining the origin, intended use, and possible connection of the material to criminal organizations operating in the border region.
The mega-robbery occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, June 16, targeting the GNB, Familiar, and Ueno banks, as well as the Santa Rita Cambios currency exchange in downtown Santa Rita. According to initial reports, the loss was estimated at around 3 billion guaraníes and 100,000 US dollars, amounts that have yet to be recovered. There were arrests and evidence seized, but the stolen money remains missing.