On Monday, October 9, military police from the Department of Border Operations (DOF) seized two trucks loaded with a total of 400 truck tires on the MS-164 highway in Ponta Porã, a border city with Paraguay. During a roadblock near the Trevo do Copo Sujo, officers stopped and inspected two vehicles, discovering that each truck contained 200 tires. The seizure highlights ongoing smuggling issues in this border region.

During the investigation, the drivers, aged 32 and 46, reported that they had picked up the cargo in Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay. They claimed to have been contracted to transport the tires to destinations in Campo Grande and Goiânia, indicating a network of illicit trade between the countries. The police valued the seized cargo at approximately R$ 1.2 million, reflecting the high demand and profitability associated with illegal goods.

The tires were confiscated and taken to the federal police station in Ponta Porã, emphasizing the role of local law enforcement in combating smuggling operations that leverage the porous borders between Brazil and Paraguay. This incident underscores the challenges faced by authorities in managing cross-border crime and the ongoing need for vigilant enforcement to protect legitimate trade and commerce in the area.