Brazil reports widespread drug seizures and expanded medicinal cannabis access

Law enforcement agencies across Brazil have conducted various operations targeting drug trafficking and smuggling. In Paraná, a joint operation between the Border Police (BPFRON), Military Police, and Federal Police seized 131 kg of marijuana from trucks on the BR-277 highway. In Santa Catarina, approximately 318 kg of marijuana were recovered from a vehicle on the BR-282. Other regional arrests involving marijuana, cocaine, and crack occurred in Araras, Pindamonhangaba, Madre de Deus, Limeira, and Garça.

On the border, two Brazilians were extradited from Bolivia to Cáceres, Mato Grosso, facing charges of drug trafficking and homicide. This follows a bilateral agreement between Brazil and Bolivia to combat criminal groups like CV and PCC.

In the healthcare sector, Brazilian states are expanding access to medicinal cannabis. Mato Grosso has opened a bidding process to supply cannabidiol to over 180 patients via the Unified Health System (SUS). Similarly, Rio Grande do Norte has established new protocols allowing patients with specific severe epilepsies to request cannabidiol through the SUS without requiring judicial intervention.