Camilla Jessen
A 20-year-old woman’s death has uncovered a bizarre smuggling attempt.
A 20-year-old woman traveling to São Paulo, Brazil, has died under bizarre circumstances after collapsing during her journey.
Emergency responders were left stunned when they discovered 26 iPhones glued to her body.
The woman’s identity has not been disclosed.
Emergency Call Ends in Tragedy
According to Newsner, the incident occurred on July 29, as the young woman suffered respiratory distress while traveling from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo.
Witnesses reported seeing her struggle to breathe before she went into cardiac arrest.
Paramedics arrived swiftly, performing CPR for 45 minutes. Despite their efforts, she was declared dead at the scene.
Phones Taped Beneath Her Clothes
As authorities examined the body, they found 26 iPhones strapped and glued to her torso and limbs.
Her luggage revealed even more mobile phones, alongside bottles of alcoholic beverages.
Sniffer dogs were deployed but found no trace of drugs on her person or belongings, further deepening the mystery.
Police Await Forensic Reports
Speaking to NDTV World, the Paraná Civil Police confirmed they are conducting a thorough investigation.
“The Paraná Civil Police are investigating the case and awaiting the conclusion of forensic reports to clarify the cause of death,” officials stated.
The 26 phones have been seized and handed over to Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service.
An autopsy is being carried out at the Forensic Medical Institute to determine the exact cause of death.
Smuggling Theory Gains Traction
One of the prevailing theories is that the woman was attempting to smuggle smartphones into São Paulo, a common operation in Brazil due to high import taxes.
Strapping multiple devices to one’s body is a known smuggling tactic used to avoid detection at customs.
While no illegal substances were found, the number of concealed devices has led investigators to believe that she may have been coerced into participating in a larger smuggling operation.
Smartphone Smuggling Surges in Brazil
According to data from H2FOX, smartphone smuggling in Brazil has risen by 25% in 2025 alone.
It is estimated that 10,000 phones are smuggled into Brazil every day, often to avoid the country’s hefty import taxes that can nearly double retail prices.
For example, the iPhone 16, which retailed at $799 in the United States, was sold for $1,396 in Brazil last year, making the illegal trade highly profitable for smuggling networks.
Tax Hikes Fuel Black Market Demand
Brazil’s high import tariffs make legal phone purchases prohibitively expensive for many consumers.
The resulting black market for smartphones has become a lucrative yet dangerous business, with smugglers often risking their lives.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are now focusing on determining whether the woman was acting alone or was part of a larger organized smuggling ring.
The results of the forensic examination are expected to provide further insight into the circumstances that led to her sudden death.
