On Monday morning, the Brazilian Federal Highway Police (PRF) seized 160 kilograms of silver ore during an inspection on BR-262 in Água Clara, Mato Grosso do Sul. The silver was hidden in the cabin of a truck with Bolivian plates, which was being driven by a 43-year-old Bolivian man. The driver claimed that he had departed from Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia and was en route to Santos, São Paulo, when police flagged him down due to his nervous behavior during the questioning.

During the detailed inspection prompted by the driver's demeanor, officers discovered several bars of silver ore concealed in the truck's cabin. The police were unable to ascertain who the driver intended to deliver the cargo to, raising concerns about the illegal trade and trafficking of such valuable resources across borders. Following the discovery, the driver was arrested on the spot and taken into custody along with the seized truck and the silver to the Federal Police in Três Lagoas for further investigation.

This incident sheds light on the ongoing issue of illegal mining and trafficking in South America, where precious metals and minerals are often transported across borders without proper documentation or legal oversight. The PRF's action not only highlights the need for vigilant traffic monitoring to combat such illegal activities but also underscores the broader implications of smuggling operations that impact both local economies and international trade regulations.