Brazil’s Federal Police (PF) wrapped up 2025 with an intensive, two-week enforcement operation at São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport that concluded on 31 December. Officers arrested 26 individuals – 13 wanted fugitives and 13 suspected drug couriers – and confiscated nearly 100 kilograms of cocaine and other narcotics hidden in false-bottom suitcases and courier parcels. Investigators also seized several Brazilian and foreign passports that had been altered or fraudulently obtained.
The blitz focused on peak holiday travel dates, when traffickers often attempt to blend in with heavy passenger volumes. PF forensic teams deployed portable X-ray scanners and canine units to secondary screening areas near international departure gates. According to PF spokespersons, most of the arrested couriers were bound for European hubs, with Spain and Portugal topping the list of onward destinations.
Amid these tighter controls, travelers can streamline their paperwork by using VisaHQ’s online visa and passport services. The company’s Brazil portal (https://www.visahq.com/brazil/) provides step-by-step application guidance, document verification and real-time status updates, helping passengers avoid last-minute snags that could lead to extra questioning or missed flights.
![Federal Police year-end sweep at GRU seizes 100 kg of drugs and multiple passports, 26 arrested]()
Beyond the drug haul, border officers say the operation demonstrated new data-sharing protocols between PF, airline security teams and Brazil’s immigration system (Sisfron). Real-time API (Advance Passenger Information) feeds allowed agents to flag fugitives who had recently removed electronic ankle monitors – a growing tactic among organised-crime networks seeking to exit the country clandestinely.
For multinational employers, the sweep serves as a reminder that heightened security can translate into longer clearance times. Mobility managers should alert assignees departing Brazil this week to arrive at GRU at least three hours before international flights and to ensure that luggage can withstand random screening. Companies moving high-value samples or electronics should review chain-of-custody procedures in case consignments are pulled for inspection.
PF officials said similar surge operations are planned for February’s Carnival season at Rio de Janeiro/Galeão and Salvador airports. Corporate travel programmes should monitor PF press channels and build schedule flexibility, particularly for staff on tight connection windows or carrying sensitive materials.
The blitz focused on peak holiday travel dates, when traffickers often attempt to blend in with heavy passenger volumes. PF forensic teams deployed portable X-ray scanners and canine units to secondary screening areas near international departure gates. According to PF spokespersons, most of the arrested couriers were bound for European hubs, with Spain and Portugal topping the list of onward destinations.
Amid these tighter controls, travelers can streamline their paperwork by using VisaHQ’s online visa and passport services. The company’s Brazil portal (https://www.visahq.com/brazil/) provides step-by-step application guidance, document verification and real-time status updates, helping passengers avoid last-minute snags that could lead to extra questioning or missed flights.
Beyond the drug haul, border officers say the operation demonstrated new data-sharing protocols between PF, airline security teams and Brazil’s immigration system (Sisfron). Real-time API (Advance Passenger Information) feeds allowed agents to flag fugitives who had recently removed electronic ankle monitors – a growing tactic among organised-crime networks seeking to exit the country clandestinely.
For multinational employers, the sweep serves as a reminder that heightened security can translate into longer clearance times. Mobility managers should alert assignees departing Brazil this week to arrive at GRU at least three hours before international flights and to ensure that luggage can withstand random screening. Companies moving high-value samples or electronics should review chain-of-custody procedures in case consignments are pulled for inspection.
PF officials said similar surge operations are planned for February’s Carnival season at Rio de Janeiro/Galeão and Salvador airports. Corporate travel programmes should monitor PF press channels and build schedule flexibility, particularly for staff on tight connection windows or carrying sensitive materials.
