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PRF seizes 26 rifles and 16 pistols hidden in animal feed truck on Brazil-Paraguay border
The Brazilian federal highway police seized 26 rifles and 16 pistols hidden in a truck carrying animal feed ingredients on the BR-277 highway in Paraná state near the Paraguay border on June 17, 2026. The seizure is the largest rifle confiscation in the PRF's history, surpassing the previous record of 22 weapons found in Rio de Janeiro in 2020.
Quick Facts
Who
Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF)
What
Seizure of 26 rifles and 16 pistols
When
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Where
BR-277 highway
- Seizure of 26 rifles and 16 pistols
- Weapons hidden in truck cabin
- International weapons trafficking case
- Largest rifle seizure in PRF history
- Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF)
Brazilian federal highway police (PRF) conducted a major weapons seizure on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, on the BR-277 highway in Santa Terezinha do Itaipu, Paraná state, near the Brazil-Paraguay border. Officers stopped a truck carrying animal feed ingredients and discovered 26 rifles and 16 pistols concealed in the vehicle's cabin. The seizure represents the largest rifle confiscation in the corporation's history, surpassing a previous record of 22 rifles found in Rio de Janeiro in August 2020.
The weapons cache comprised 22 rifles in 5.56 mm caliber, four in 7.65 mm caliber, 14 nine-millimeter pistols, and two .40 caliber pistols. Officers also recovered 898 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 4,150 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, and 127 magazines. Among the seized weapons were two AK-47 assault rifles, standard infantry armament commonly favored by guerrilla groups, paramilitary forces, and criminal organizations. According to PRF, the AK-47's low cost makes it the most widely used military weapon globally and a preferred choice for criminal factions.
The truck, traveling from Argentina to Minas Gerais state, was operated by a 28-year-old driver who displayed nervousness during a routine traffic stop by PRF officers. This behavior prompted a more thorough vehicle inspection, during which the driver admitted to transporting firearms. The driver was arrested and transported to the Federal Police headquarters in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná. The case was registered as international weapons trafficking, a crime carrying potential sentences of up to 16 years imprisonment.
Why This Matters
This seizure represents a critical disruption in international weapons trafficking networks operating across South America's tri-border region. The interception of military-grade firearms, particularly AK-47 assault rifles favored by criminal organizations and paramilitary groups, demonstrates the scale of illicit arms movement through the Brazil-Paraguay-Argentina corridor. The record confiscation underscores emerging security challenges in border enforcement and provides law enforcement with actionable intelligence on trafficking routes, methods, and criminal supply chains that threaten regional stability.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WirePRF seizes 26 rifles and 16 pistols in Santa Terezinha do Itaipu, setting new record
Jun 17, 2026
Wire28-year-old truck driver arrested and transported to Federal Police headquarters in Foz do Iguaçu
Jun 18, 2026
WireSeizure reported by Folha de S.Paulo and other news outlets