Taxi Passenger Arrested with Drugs Hidden in Clothing

A routine traffic stop on the MG-353 highway in Juiz de Fora resulted in the arrest of two men and the seizure of multiple narcotics. The incident occurred on Monday, January 19, when officers from the Polícia Militar Rodoviária (PMRv) conducted a vehicle inspection.

During the stop, police discovered a passenger attempting to conceal drugs within his clothing. The subsequent investigation revealed a drug trafficking operation involving a taxi ride from Juiz de Fora to Goianá. Both the passenger and the driver were taken into custody, and the vehicle was impounded.

The operation took place at km 70 of the MG-353, a key route in the region. Officers approached a taxi traveling through the area and initiated a standard inspection. The passenger, identified as a 34-year-old man, was immediately flagged for suspicious behavior.

Upon searching the individual, officers found narcotics concealed in two distinct locations on his body. The discovery prompted a deeper investigation into the passenger's travel plans and the driver's awareness of the cargo.

• Drugs were found in the passenger's underwear
• Additional contraband was located in his pants pocket
• The vehicle was stopped during a routine fiscalization

The search of the passenger yielded three distinct types of illegal substances. Police recovered a pedra de crack (crack rock), a tablete de cocaína (cocaine tablet), and a bucha grande de maconha (large marijuana bud). The variety and quantity of the drugs suggested intent to distribute rather than personal use.

Simultaneously, officers searched the 36-year-old taxi driver. While the passenger carried the bulk of the drugs, the driver was found in possession of a papelote de cocaína (cocaine packet) stored inside his wallet. This discovery linked the driver directly to the illicit activity.

With the passenger, the police found a crack rock, a cocaine tablet, and a large marijuana bud.

During questioning, the passenger provided a detailed account of his mission. He admitted to leaving the Bairro Grama in Juiz de Fora with R$ 800 specifically to purchase narcotics. His plan involved delivering the drugs in Goianá in exchange for more substances as payment, indicating a classic drug trafficking arrangement.

The taxi driver offered a different version of events. He claimed he was hired by an unknown individual in Goianá to transport the passenger back to Juiz de Fora. According to his statement, he was promised R$ 170 for the service and was unaware of the illegal contents hidden on his passenger.

• Passenger claimed he was buying drugs for resale
• Driver stated he was hired for a simple transport job
• Both men were charged with drug trafficking

Following the arrests, authorities transported both men to the local police precinct for processing. The taxi vehicle was seized and moved to an authorized impound lot. The operation resulted in a significant haul of evidence for the prosecution.

The total seizure included multiple drug types, cash, and electronic devices. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of highway police to intercept drug trafficking routes in the state of Minas Gerais.

The driver said he was contracted by a person in Goianá to transport the passenger and would be entitled to R$ 170 for the service.

This incident underscores the effectiveness of routine traffic checks in uncovering criminal activity. The concealment of drugs in personal clothing is a common tactic used by traffickers to avoid detection during inspections.

Authorities continue to monitor major transit routes for similar operations. The case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for those involved in the drug trade, regardless of their role in the supply chain.