In a significant ruling, a court in Santos, São Paulo, acquitted six men accused of drug trafficking following the seizure of 196 kg of cocaine at a port terminal. The cocaine was discovered during a police operation conducted by the Delegacia de Investigações sobre Entorpecentes (Dise) in August 2025. Among the accused, three individuals were employees of the company operating at the terminal, while the others were allegedly surveilling the area when they were apprehended. The judge's decision pointed out the lack of enough evidence to link the suspects to an organized drug trafficking scheme.

The police intervention took place during the night, resulting in the arrest of the employees within the terminal and the others attempting to flee nearby. According to the police report, the seized cocaine was concealed in boxes alongside legitimate shipments of paper, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug trafficking in such environments. The court noted that the evidence gathered did not sufficiently demonstrate that the accused were involved in the trafficking or aware of the drug's presence.

This case raises questions about the judicial system and the burden of proof required in drug-related cases in Brazil. The acquittal of these six men may prompt discussions on the adequacy of current investigative practices and the need for more stringent measures to prevent drug smuggling through legal terminals. The ruling reflects ongoing issues within the Brazilian judicial system, particularly concerning evidence and the rights of the accused in drug cases.