Police bust drug and contraband shipments in Brazil, Argentina
In Argentina, police from the Bernardo de Irigoyen regional unit seized more than 8,450 electronic cigarettes worth over 268 million pesos during an operation linked to a suspected kidnapping tied to criminal gang rivalries. The devices were handed over to federal authorities for customs violations.
Brazilian forces conducted a series of raids across multiple states. In Setúbal, Portugal, four men were arrested after a maritime operation uncovered roughly four tonnes of hashish. In Brazil, police seized dozens of kilograms of cocaine, marijuana, crack, ecstasy and hashish in locations ranging from Rio Branco (10 kg marijuana, 264 g cocaine, 99 ecstasy tablets) to Rio Grande do Sul, Mato Grosso, São Paulo, Alagoas, Ceará and Rio Grande do Sul. The operations also resulted in the seizure of firearms, ammunition, precision scales and drug‑packaging equipment. Arrests numbered in the dozens, with suspects ranging from local dealers to members of organized crime groups. The coordinated actions underscore ongoing law‑enforcement efforts against drug trafficking and related contraband in the region.