The Federal Police at São Paulo/Guarulhos Airport conducted a series of integrated enforcement operations between 19 and 31 December 2025 that resulted in 13 arrests for international drug trafficking, the capture of 13 fugitives and the seizure of almost 100 kilograms of illegal narcotics. The measures were carried out across migration controls, aircraft aprons and customs checkpoints with support from federal intelligence systems.
Guarulhos drug seizures highlight airport security effort
Officers recovered a range of substances including hashish, skunk, cocaine and amphetamine, most of which were concealed in baggage on international flights. Two of the major seizures were carried out with the assistance of the Federal Revenue Service. In one incident an individual was also detained for unlawful possession of narcotics.
The arrested suspects were of diverse nationalities, reflecting the international nature of the smuggling attempts. Those taken into custody include Brazilian, Bulgarian, Venezuelan, South African, Thai, Swedish, Paraguayan and Nigerian nationals. All detainees have been presented to the relevant police station and will remain at the disposal of the competent courts.
Alongside the drug seizures, officers executed court-ordered seizures of two passports and a mobile phone during passenger and baggage inspections. These items were forwarded to the judicial authorities that issued the orders.
Broader enforcement results and judicial follow-up
During the same fortnight, the Federal Police located and arrested 13 people wanted on outstanding warrants from several Brazilian states, including São Paulo, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Bahia and Paraná. The outstanding charges ranged from femicide and bodily injury to fraud, money laundering, membership of an organised criminal group, extortion, dissemination of pornography and receiving stolen goods.
The recent operation at Guarulhos is part of a year-long enforcement effort that produced record results in 2025. From January through 31 December the Federal Police reported nearly four tonnes of narcotics seized at the airport, 815 arrests, 302 captures of fugitives and 451 passengers charged with drug offences. Of those charged for drug carriage, 187 had ingested capsules to transport narcotics internally.
Authorities say the coordinated approach — combining migration controls, apron inspections, customs checks and intelligence-led targeting — has been central to the success of the operations. The Federal Police’s Communication Office at the special delegation in São Paulo/Guarulhos can be contacted for further information.
These actions underline the federal authorities’ sustained focus on border and aviation security, as Brazil seeks to disrupt international trafficking networks and ensure safer travel hubs for passengers and cargo alike.
Key Takeaways:
- Federal Police at São Paulo/Guarulhos carried out coordinated controls between 19–31 December 2025, resulting in 13 arrests for international drug trafficking.
- The operations, which involved migration, apron and customs checks, led to almost 100 kg of drugs seized — including hashish, skunk, cocaine and amphetamine.
- Authorities also captured 13 fugitives sought for crimes ranging from femicide to money laundering and seized passports and a mobile phone under court order.
- The actions form part of a record year: from January to 31 December 2025 the Guarulhos operation accounted for nearly 4 tonnes of drugs seized and 815 arrests.
