A driver was arrested in Rosana, São Paulo, after being caught transporting more than 50,000 packs of contraband cigarettes on the Arlindo Béttio Highway. The incident occurred during a routine police operation aimed at curbing smuggling. Authorities intercepted the truck at the 5th kilometer of the highway, where they discovered 104 boxes containing the illicit cargo.

During the inspection, the police noted that the driver lacked the necessary tax documentation for the cigarette shipment, indicating it was smuggled across borders. As a result, the entire load was seized and handed over to the Federal Police in Presidente Prudente, while the driver, a resident of Douradina, Mato Grosso do Sul, was arrested and faces charges of smuggling.

This case illustrates ongoing issues with cigarette smuggling in Brazil—a problem that not only affects the economy through lost tax revenue but also poses health risks due to unregulated products entering the market. The continued efforts of law enforcement in operations like "Operação Impacto" are crucial in tackling this criminal activity in the region.