Bolivian police seize bus carrying 86.5kg of marijuana intended for Brazilian soccer team
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Bolivian police seized a bus hired to transport the Brazilian São Paulo soccer team, finding 86.5 kilograms of marijuana.
- The bus was intercepted in Locotal, Cochabamba, en route to La Paz for the team's Copa Sudamericana match.
- Three drivers were detained, and the bus company provided a replacement vehicle for the team.
An unusual incident disrupted the preparations for the Copa Sudamericana match between Bolívar and São Paulo in Bolivia when police intercepted a bus intended for the Brazilian team, discovering a significant quantity of marijuana.
The bus, belonging to the company Buses Cosmos and displaying the São Paulo club crest, was seized in Locotal, Cochabamba. Police found four bags containing a total of 86.5 kilograms of marijuana hidden inside. The vehicle was traveling from Cochabamba towards Santa Cruz de la Sierra, where São Paulo was located, and was scheduled to transport the team to La Paz for their match.
As a result of the discovery, the three drivers of the bus were detained and are under investigation to determine the drug's origin and destination, as well as any other potential accomplices. The incident forced Buses Cosmos to quickly arrange for a replacement bus to ensure the São Paulo delegation's transportation needs were met without further disruption.
According to reports, São Paulo was not officially informed of the police operation and learned about the marijuana seizure through local media. By the time they were aware, the bus company had already resolved the transportation issue, allowing the team to continue their schedule and travel to La Paz without changes. The focus has now shifted back to the sporting event, with São Paulo aiming to secure an advantage in the high-altitude match.
Originally published by Clarín in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.