In a significant law enforcement operation, the Federal Highway Police (PRF) in Brazil uncovered about R$ 2 million in cash hidden in the cargo compartment of a car on the BR-101 highway in Araquari, located in the northern part of Santa Catarina. The find occurred early in the morning on Wednesday, with the cash concealed in a travel bag and in boxes within the trunk. In addition to the large sum of cash, the vehicle also contained R$ 1,187 found in the center console. The discovery raises alarms about the possible illicit origins of the funds.

The arrest of the 43-year-old driver took place after police officers became suspicious due to the smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, which bore license plates from Itajaí. Upon conducting a thorough inspection, they not only found the large amounts of cash but also narcotics, suggesting that the driver may have been involved in unlawful activities. The driver claimed he had picked up the money from São Paulo and was headed to a gas station in Itajaí, raising questions about the legality of his operations and the source of the cash.

This incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking and money laundering in Brazil. As authorities continue to tackle these issues, incidents like this serve as critical reminders of the intersection between drug-related crimes and the movement of illicit funds, emphasizing the need for vigilance and strict enforcement of regulations along highways in the region.