Latest news Cocaine hidden among beef - record find in Brazil 2024

In Brazil, security forces have made the largest seizure of cocaine in the South American country this year. More than 1.3 tons of the drug was seized in Paranaíba in the interior of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the federal highway police announced on Platform X. This was the largest quantity in a single seizure in 2024.

The driver of a refrigerated truck was stopped for a routine check. During a search of the vehicle's cargo area, the officers found 41 bales of the drug hidden in boxes of chilled beef. The driver was arrested. According to his own statements, his destination was the state of São Paulo.

New cocaine route via Brazil gains in importance

The South American countries of Colombia, Peru and Bolivia are among the world's largest producers of cocaine, which is made from the coca plant. Criminal organizations in Brazil control the drug market in the largest country in Latin America as well as exports from Brazil to Europe.

The typical route of the drug is from Colombia via Central America to the USA or via Ecuador to Europe. However, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the route via Paraguay, Argentina or Brazil to West Africa and on to Europe is becoming increasingly important. Last year, more than 300 tons of cocaine were seized in European ports, some of it also in German ports.

SDA