Major Operation Uncovers Illegal Smuggling of E-cigarettes and Phones in Brazil

According to a report by Brazilian media outlet H2FOZ on February 2nd, the Brazilian Federal Police successfully discovered a large quantity of illegally smuggled e-cigarettes and mobile phones in an operation carried out in Foz do Iguaçu. These illicit goods were concealed in a residential property located in the Vila A community, which served as a secret warehouse for goods brought in from Paraguay. The seized items included 18,850 e-cigarettes and nearly 300 mobile phones, all originating from Paraguay.

This operation was made possible thanks to an anonymous tip-off. According to intelligence, there was a location within the Vila A community being used to store imported foreign goods from Paraguay. Federal police conducted a thorough investigation to verify this residence. After monitoring the premises, law enforcement successfully traced the vehicles transporting the goods and launched a precise and swift operation.

The authorities have described this as the "largest seizure of e-cigarettes in Brazilian history," with customs data showing that the confiscated goods had a total value equivalent to 500,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $100,000). The Federal Police emphasized that this successful operation was made possible thanks to thorough intelligence work and timely action in response to tips.

A report from federal police states, "The suspect located inside the residence fled through the rear of the house during the inspection." These suspects abandoned all e-cigarettes, phones, and three parked cars in the yard while escaping. "The investigation will now continue to determine all individuals involved in relation to the items found and confiscated by the police," federal police said, emphasizing that they will conduct a thorough probe into this case.