Ex-candidate arrested with drugs in Brazil also investigated for double identity

Brazilian federal highway police apprehended a former Bolivian political candidate, Lilian Andrea P. R., for allegedly attempting to transport nearly 75 kilograms of high-THC marijuana, known as skunk, concealed within coca leaves. The arrest occurred during a routine check on July 16 along the BR-262 highway in Mato Grosso do Sul state, as a passenger bus traveled from Corumbá to São Paulo.

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The seizure occurred during a routine check... when a passenger bus was covering the Corumbá–São Paulo route.

Authorities report that Lilian Andrea P. R. is suspected of using a false identity, Mariela C. V., to board the bus. During the inspection, officers discovered nine packages emitting a strong marijuana odor. While the luggage tags bore the name Mariela C. V., the passenger list confirmed no one by that name was on board. Investigations led police to a restaurant where passengers were waiting, and there they located Lilian Andrea P. R., who bore a strong resemblance to the photo on the identity document used for boarding.

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The woman was apprehended on suspicion of using a different identity to conceal her true identity during the trip.

Adding complexity to the case, the woman identified as Mariela C. V. has publicly denied any connection to the drug trafficking investigation. She asserts that her identity was stolen and has filed complaints with Bolivian and Brazilian authorities. She claims her personal data was misused even before she lost her identity document in 2022 and is seeking to be cleared of any involvement in the international drug transport case. The investigation by the Civil Police of Miranda is ongoing.

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I was a victim of identity theft.