In a significant operation, the Federal Highway Police (PRF) intercepted a bus on BR-116 in Manhuaçu, Brazil, where they discovered two submachine guns and a revolver within a passenger's belongings. This operation took place on the night of Saturday, October 21, around 10:40 PM, at kilometer 588 of the highway, which connects Rio de Janeiro to Petrolina in Pernambuco. The authorities were able to uncover a black backpack in the overhead compartment above the seat occupied by a 61-year-old male passenger.

Upon inspecting the backpack, officers found a Taurus .38 revolver, two Taurus .40 caliber submachine guns, and four ammunition magazines, of which the submachine guns had either missing or defaced serial numbers. This discovery highlights ongoing concerns regarding illegal arms trafficking and the misuse of restricted firearms across transit routes in Brazil. The presence of such weaponry, especially in public transportation, raises alarms about potential criminal activities linked to organized crime.

Following the seizure, the 61-year-old man was arrested on charges of illegal possession of restricted firearms and was subsequently taken with the seized items to the local police station for further proceedings. This incident underscores the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies in Brazil to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms and to ensure public safety along major highways, which are often viewed as conduits for transporting illicit goods and materials.