Two SUVs stolen in Brazil recovered in Ciudad del Este

Ciudad del Este, Paraguay – Authorities successfully recovered two vehicles that had been reported stolen in Brazil through separate operations conducted between Friday afternoon and early Saturday morning. The recoveries highlight ongoing cross-border criminal activity.

In the first incident, customs officials and military personnel intercepted a white pickup truck with Brazilian plates near the Friendship Bridge. The driver exhibited suspicious behavior, and a search revealed an air rifle. The driver, identified as Weverton Henrique Nunes da Silva, was detained. Shortly after, Luan Henrique dos Santos Gómez Cardoso arrived, claiming to be the son of the vehicle's owner and confirming it was stolen in Brazil.

The second operation occurred early Saturday when police detected a silver Toyota Hilux, also with Brazilian plates, speeding into Paraguay via Route PY02. A police chase ensued, leading the driver to abandon the vehicle with its engine running in the Remansito neighborhood. The suspect escaped on foot along the Paraná River and was not apprehended.

These recoveries underscore the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating vehicle theft and smuggling across the Brazil-Paraguay border.