Brazil Federal Highway Police seize millions of kilos of illegal drugs and timber
In a series of operations across several states, Brazil's Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF) seized large quantities of illicit goods.
On the BR‑060 near Rio Verde, Goiás, PRF together with the municipal guard uncovered about 7.5 tonnes of marijuana hidden in false compartments of a truck loaded with MDF, arresting the driver.
In Betim, Minas Gerais, PRF intercepted a truck on the BR‑262 and seized approximately two tonnes of marijuana bound for Colatina, Espírito Santo, detaining the 38‑year‑old driver.
A separate stop on the BR‑101 in Estância, Sergipe, resulted in the arrest of a couple found with an illegal firearm, three tablets of an amphetamine‑like substance and ten packets resembling cocaine.
Environmental enforcement actions also took place: in the Sertão of Pernambuco, PRF seized 623 m³ of irregular timber and rescued 26 wild birds, while in Peritoró, Maranhão, agents confiscated more than 66 m³ of native wood without the required forest transport licence, destined for Arapiraca, Alagoas.
These raids involved cooperation with other agencies such as the municipal guard, IBAMA, INDEA‑MT and UNODC, and resulted in multiple arrests and the detention of the seized materials pending further investigation.