Brazil’s Federal Police (PF) announced on 10 April 2026 that officers intercepted 100 kg of cocaine hidden in air cargo bound for Johannesburg, moments before the aircraft pushed back at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport. The bust is the latest in a string of large seizures that have put exporters—and their logistics providers—under scrutiny. PF commanders said the drugs were discovered during a targeted inspection triggered by new risk-profiling software that cross-references flight routings, freight forwarder histories and last-minute airway-bill amendments. While passenger movements were unaffected, freight handlers reported brief ramp delays as authorities re-inspected pallets loaded by the same ground-handling company. Guarulhos is Latin America’s busiest cargo gateway; any operational ripple can quickly snarl just-in-time supply chains for electronics, automotive and pharma clients. The PF confirmed that from next week all exports on routes deemed “red-flag” will require an extra seal verification signed jointly by the airline’s security chief and a PF supervisor. Shippers failing to comply risk fines of up to R$500,000 and possible suspension of Authorised Economic Operator status. Mobility advisers urge companies relocating staff or critical equipment to build additional buffer time into cargo bookings and to alert travelling employees that random secondary baggage inspections may rise as PF reallocates canine units from cargo to passenger halls during peak hours.
Source: Polícia Federal – Brazil
