Police Find 65 Packages of Marijuana in Sao Paulo FC Team Bus

Local police in Bolivia intercepted a team bus belonging to Sao Paulo FC during their Copa Sudamericana campaign, seizing 86.5 kilograms of marijuana found inside hermetically sealed packages, according to French sports daily L’Equipe. The vehicle, operated by transport provider Cosmos, was searched while no players were aboard, leading to three arrests in the Cochabamba department.

Sao Paulo FC Bus Intercepted with 86.5kg of Marijuana in Bolivia

Anti-narcotics officers in central Bolivia uncovered a major drug shipment aboard a vehicle bearing the colors of Brazilian club Sao Paulo FC. According to reporting by L’Equipe, police inspected the bus and located multiple tightly sealed packages containing a total of 86.5 kilograms of the illegal substance.

The seizure took place while the club was traveling in Bolivia for international tournament play. However, club officials moved quickly to distance the first-team squad from the vehicle. Management at Sao Paulo FC stated that the specific bus where 65 of the packages were found was not in active use by the main roster at the time of the police raid.

Transport provider Cosmos issued a formal clarification. According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), bus company Cosmos released a statement outlining that the Brazilian delegation used alternative transport for the fixture.

“Team Sao Paulo did not use this bus, they were assigned another one. We want to clarify that the Bolivian drivers bear full responsibility,” the Cosmos statement reads, as cited by AFP.

Authorities in the department of Cochabamba acted swiftly following the discovery. Protidrogové oddelenie—the anti-narcotics division—detained three individuals in connection with the seized cargo. The transport company subsequently provided investigators with crucial operational details linking the transit arrangements to the unfolding probe.

Tournament Schedule and Ongoing Sporting Commitments

Despite the off-field controversy surrounding the transit fleet, Sao Paulo FC fulfilled its fixture obligation on the pitch. The squad faced Bolivian side Bolivar, securing a 1-1 draw away from home in the opening leg of their Copa Sudamericana round-of-16 tie.

The decisive return leg is scheduled to take place in Brazil. According to tournament scheduling, the match will kick off on Wednesday, August 19, at 2:30 AM Central European Summer Time (SELČ).

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the marijuana found on the Sao Paulo FC bus?

Police discovered the drugs inside hermetically sealed packages on a team-branded bus operated by the transport company Cosmos in the Cochabamba department of Bolivia.

Were any players from Sao Paulo FC arrested?

No. According to local reports, no players were inside the vehicle when police conducted the search, and club management stated that the first team was assigned a different vehicle.

How many people were detained in the drug bust?

Anti-narcotics police in Cochabamba arrested three individuals in connection with the 86.5 kilograms of marijuana found in the transport vehicles.

What was the result of the Sao Paulo FC match in Bolivia?

Sao Paulo FC played to a 1-1 draw against Bolivar ahead of the return leg scheduled in Brazil.