Government has launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a 20-year-old Brazilian woman who passed away during a long-distance bus journey while allegedly attempting to smuggle dozens of iPhones taped to her body.
The incident occurred on a bus traveling from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo.
Reports said the young woman began experiencing severe health issues when the vehicle stopped at a roadside restaurant in Guarapuava, in the central part of Paraná State.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene after she reportedly began complaining of breathing difficulties.
“She was treated by Mobile Emergency Care Service workers, who said she was awake but struggling to breathe. Shortly afterwards, she began to show signs of respiratory distress and appeared to suffer a seizure.”
Despite the efforts of paramedics to save her, she did not survive.
“Paramedics attempted to revive her for 45 minutes, but she was declared dead at the scene.”
While trying to resuscitate her, medical responders discovered several unusual bulges under her clothing. Upon further inspection, they uncovered multiple packages strapped directly to her skin.
“It was while trying to treat her that medics noticed several packages attached to her body. Police later discovered 26 iPhones had been glued directly to her skin.”
The Military Police were notified and quickly took control of the situation. Forensic teams and civil investigators were also called in to assist with the case. A sniffer dog checked her belongings but found no trace of illegal drugs.
“A sniffer dog did not detect any drugs on the woman, but several bottles of alcohol were found in her luggage and seized.”
Investigators are currently awaiting autopsy and forensic reports to establish the exact cause of death. Authorities say the woman was traveling alone at the time of the incident.
“The Paraná Civil Police are investigating the case and awaiting the conclusion of forensic reports to clarify the cause of death.”
“According to preliminary information, the woman, who was alone, was travelling from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo.”
“The 26 cell phones that were glued to her body were seized and sent to the Federal Revenue Service.”
Her identity has not yet been released, and it remains unclear whether she was acting alone or as part of a larger smuggling operation.