A routine police check in Bolivia turned into a real drama when a vehicle meant to transport a Brazilian club was found with a massive amount of drugs. The incident completely overshadowed the Copa Sudamericana match.
The football world is shaken by an incredible scandal from Bolivia. Bolivian police seized as much as 86.5 kilograms of marijuana from a bus that had been hired to transport players of Brazilian giants São Paulo. Three drivers were arrested in connection with the case, and the entire incident cast a shadow over last night's Copa Sudamericana round of 16 match.
The incident occurred near Cochabamba, where officers from Bolivia's UMOPAR police unit stopped the vehicle during a routine check. Four bags full of marijuana were found on the bus, triggering a major police operation. The vehicle had been hired for the Brazilian delegation but was seized before it could pick up the players.
São Paulo confirmed to Brazilian media outlet UOL that the transport was organized by Bolivian company "Buses Cosmos." Following the police operation, the company provided a replacement bus, allowing the players to continue their journey without major delays. According to reports from Brazil, "Buses Cosmos" took responsibility for the hired drivers and emphasized that the club had no connection to the seized drugs.
São Paulo was in Bolivia for the match against Bolívar. Due to the extreme altitude, the club had devised a special travel plan. The team was based in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, approximately 400 meters above sea level, with the trip to La Paz, which sits at over 3,600 meters, scheduled just before the match.
São Paulo members reportedly had no knowledge of the events until they arrived at their destination in Santa Cruz. Last night's Copa Sudamericana round of 16 match between Bolívar and São Paulo ended 1-1. Arboleda put the visitors ahead with his goal, and Melgar equalized for Bolívar in the second half. However, the sporting action on the pitch was completely overshadowed by the incredible story of the bus and the massive amount of seized marijuana.
