On Sunday, the Brazilian Federal Highway Police (PRF) intercepted a shipment of 50,000 packs of cigarettes of Paraguayan origin during a routine check on BR-232, located in Sertânia, Pernambuco. The driver of the van carrying the substantial load was detained after he admitted that the shipment lacked proper tax documentation required for legal transportation and sale in Brazil.

The interception took place at the PRF station in Cruzeiro do Nordeste, where officers were conducting regular inspections. It was reported that the van was occupied solely by the driver, who voluntarily informed authorities about the irregular nature of the cargo he was transporting. This led the police team to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the vehicle's cargo compartments.

Following a thorough search, law enforcement officials found a total of 100 boxes containing around 50,000 packs of cigarettes manufactured in Paraguay. The seized load was valued at approximately R$ 250,000. According to the PRF, these products are not authorized for sale in Brazil and the seizure highlights ongoing issues related to the illegal tobacco trade permeating the region.