Four tourists from the Czech Republic were apprehended at São Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport after authorities discovered more than a hundred cacti and approximately two thousand seeds illegally removed from the state of Rio Grande do Sul within their luggage. The arrest was made possible through a joint operation conducted by the Federal Police and Ibama (the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) on Thursday, the 26th of October. The illegal items were reportedly hidden in various travel bags, concealed within tins, shoes, and paper bags to evade detection.

This incident raises significant concerns about the illegal trade of native Brazilian flora, a violation exacerbated by the method of transport used—air travel. Under Brazilian law, the removal of native plant species without proper authorization constitutes a serious crime, compounded by the use of air travel for smuggling purposes. The arrested tourists are facing charges for smuggling, along with violations of Brazil's Environmental Crimes Law, which regulates the protection of native plant species.

The Brazilian Federal Police have stated that the confiscated items will undergo further technical analysis to determine their specific origins and compliance with environmental regulations. Moreover, the detained individuals will remain in custody pending legal proceedings, emphasizing Brazil's stringent efforts to combat environmental crimes and illicit trafficking of native species. This case highlights the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding biodiversity and enforcing environmental laws.