On Wednesday, the Federal Highway Police (PRF) seized a significant shipment of 1,600 packs of smuggled cigarettes during a routine inspection in Parnamirim, part of Greater Natal. The total value of the seized cargo was estimated at around R$ 16,000, with each pack containing 20 cigarettes, amounting to a total of 32,000 cigarettes. The products were traced back to illegal origins in Paraguay and were intended for resale in the Alecrim neighborhood, one of the main commercial centers in Natal.

The setup involved a 49-year-old man who was identified as the courier responsible for transporting the shipment. This individual had previous convictions related to smuggling, indicating a pattern of illicit activity. Reports from the PRF indicated that this was not his first offense, as he had previously been the target of a search and seizure order from the Federal Police in Paraná when 360 packets of smuggled cigarettes from Paraguay and Indonesia were discovered.

The arrest and seizure highlight ongoing efforts by the Brazilian authorities to combat smuggling and illegal commerce in the region, particularly in light of the pandemic's impact on economic activities. This incident underscores the challenges faced in curbing the influx of contraband goods, which not only affects local economies but also poses public health risks due to unregulated products circulating within communities.