A 20-year-old woman suffered cardiac arrest while allegedly smuggling dozens of iPhones taped to her skin during a bus ride from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo.
In a mysterious and tragic case, a 20-year-old woman died during a long-distance bus journey in Brazil, reportedly while smuggling 26 iPhones taped to her body. The woman was traveling alone from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo when she became seriously ill.
Fell Ill During the Journey
- The incident occurred on July 29.
- The woman started experiencing breathing problems while the bus was en route.
- When the bus stopped for a break at a restaurant in Guarapuava, Paraná, she complained of discomfort.
- Emergency services were called, but despite receiving medical assistance, she suffered a seizure and was declared dead after 45 minutes of resuscitation attempts.
iPhones Discovered Taped to Her Skin
During emergency treatment, paramedics made a shocking discovery:
- 26 iPhones were glued directly to her body, hidden under her clothes in small packages.
- Bottles of alcohol were also found in her luggage, raising further suspicion of smuggling.
The Civil Police of Paraná confirmed that they are awaiting forensic reports to determine the exact cause of her cardiac arrest.
Authorities Suspect Smuggling Attempt
The seized iPhones were handed over to Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service, which deals with customs violations and illegal imports.
A spokesperson from Paraná Civil Police stated:
“We are investigating the case and awaiting forensic conclusions to determine the cause of death.”
Brazil’s Black Market for iPhones Is Booming
This incident highlights a larger issue — Brazil’s growing black market for smartphones, especially iPhones smuggled from Paraguay.
Key Stats:
- An estimated 10,000 phones are smuggled into Brazil daily.
- iPhone seizures increased by 25% between January and May 2025, according to federal data.
- In one case, 196 smartphones were found hidden in a truck compartment on the Friendship Bridge, a major smuggling route between Paraguay and Brazil.
“Smugglers often transport small batches and distribute them across the country,” said Claudio Marques, a Federal Revenue deputy.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate whether the weight of the smartphones, their placement, or the stress of smuggling contributed to the young woman’s cardiac event. The final forensic report is expected to clarify the exact cause of death.
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