On Saturday, October 14, a man and a woman, both aged 55, were caught in the act of smuggling on the Via Dutra highway in Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro. The duo was found transporting Paraguayan products without proper invoicing, leading to their prompt arrest by local authorities. The operation was carried out by the Polícia Rodoviária Federal (Federal Highway Police), who were tipped off about the illegal activity, and the arrest took place at kilometer 324 of the highway.

During the police operation, officers discovered various items in the suspects' vehicle, including weight loss pens, beverages, and perfume bottles. Initial checks revealed a concerning detail: the male suspect had a prior record for drug trafficking, and the car used for the transport was rented under another individual's name, raising further suspicions about their activities. This aspect suggests the possibility of larger criminal networks involved in similar smuggling operations, indicating a systemic issue in the region.

The seized items were taken to the police station in Resende, RJ, where the legal proceedings were initiated. The suspects are currently in custody, awaiting judicial decisions. This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding smuggling and legal compliance in Brazil, particularly along major transport routes like Via Dutra, which is a common corridor for the movement of illegal goods.