Drug seizure on bus intended for Sao Paulo football team in Bolivia

On August 11, 2026, Bolivian authorities seized 86.5 kilograms of marijuana found inside a bus intended to transport the Brazilian football club Sao Paulo. The team was in Bolivia for the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana round of 16 match against Bolivar. The vehicle, which bore the club's emblem, was intercepted in the city of Cochabamba during a police operation.

Following the discovery of four bags containing the narcotics, local law enforcement arrested the drivers on the spot. While the incident caused significant disruption, officials confirmed that no players or staff members of the Sao Paulo delegation were linked to the illegal cargo. The transport company involved immediately replaced the vehicle and the personnel to ensure the team could continue their journey to Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

Investigations into the smuggling attempt remain ongoing, with the bus company cooperating with the authorities to address the security breach. The team's schedule for the Copa Sudamericana match proceeded as planned after the provision of alternative transportation.