São Paulo bus seized with 86.5kg of marijuana in Bolivia
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A São Paulo-branded bus was seized with 86.5kg of marijuana in Bolivia.
- Three drivers were arrested after the drugs were discovered in Villa Tunari.
- São Paulo said the squad was transported on a different bus.
The vehicle was intercepted by Bolivian authorities in Villa Tunari, in the Cochabamba department, as São Paulo prepared for their Copa Sudamericana round-of-16 first leg against Bolívar.
According to Brazilian reports, officers discovered marijuana packed in 65 rectangular packages hidden inside shopping bags. Three drivers were arrested and placed under investigation by Bolivia's anti-narcotics authorities.
São Paulo insist squad was not on the seized bus
The incident attracted attention because the bus was associated with São Paulo and had been intended for the club's transport arrangements in Bolivia.However, the Brazilian club was quick to distance itself from the discovery.
The transport company responsible for the vehicle, Buses Cosmos, said São Paulo's team did not use the bus that was intercepted by police.
Instead, another vehicle was assigned to the delegation.
The company said the São Paulo team had not been in the seized vehicle and stated that the Bolivian drivers were responsible for the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Brazilian reporting also confirmed that the club had already been transported from the airport to its hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra using another bus.
There is therefore no indication from the reports that São Paulo players or staff were involved in the alleged trafficking operation.
The investigation is focused on the three people detained in connection with the bus.
Police discover marijuana during roadside inspection
The vehicle was reportedly stopped in Villa Tunari, an area in central Bolivia that is known for coca production.During the inspection, narcotics officers found dozens of packages concealed inside shopping bags. Subsequent testing identified the substance as marijuana, with the total haul reported at around 86.5kg.
The seizure created an unusual backdrop to a major continental fixture, although it did not disrupt São Paulo's preparations for their match against Bolívar.
The club's carefully planned travel arrangements were also designed to limit the physical impact of playing in La Paz.
São Paulo deliberately avoided a long stay at altitude
Playing in La Paz presents one of South American football's most difficult logistical challenges.The city sits at approximately 3,600 metres above sea level, and São Paulo opted to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra before travelling to La Paz close to kick-off rather than spending several days at altitude. Brazilian reporting confirmed that this was part of the club's strategy to minimise the effects of the conditions.
That approach is commonly used by visiting clubs when facing teams accustomed to playing at extreme altitude.
São Paulo ultimately came away with a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Hernando Siles. Ecuadorian defender Robert Arboleda put the visitors ahead in the first half before Bolívar equalised through Melgar after the interval.
The result leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg in Brazil.
São Paulo and Bolívar now decide the tie in Brazil
The second leg will be played at the Morumbis, where São Paulo will have home advantage and the opportunity to secure a place in the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals.The first-leg draw means São Paulo must win to progress directly, whilst another draw would send the tie to a penalty shoot-out.
For the Brazilian club, however, the result on the pitch was only part of an extraordinary trip to Bolivia.
A bus carrying 86.5kg of marijuana, three arrests and the need to navigate one of football's most demanding playing environments provided a bizarre backdrop to what was ultimately a valuable draw for São Paulo.
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