In a bizarre and tragic case that has sparked international attention, a 20-year-old woman was found dead on a long-distance bus in Brazil with 26 iPhones glued to her body, raising alarm over possible smuggling activities and the dangers involved.
The young woman had boarded a bus in Foz do Iguaçu on the evening of July 29, en route to São Paulo. Witnesses described her as calm and quiet at the start of the journey. However, during a rest stop in Guarapuava, she suddenly collapsed and began convulsing. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene.
Paramedics Tried for 45 Minutes to Revive Her
Paramedics attempted CPR for close to 45 minutes inside the bus, but sadly, she could not be revived. It was only during the medical response that authorities discovered she had dozens of smartphones strapped to her body using industrial adhesive. The devices were wrapped tightly under her clothing, secured in a way that suggested deliberate concealment.
Investigators also found several bottles of alcohol in her luggage. The phones, now in the custody of the Federal Revenue Service, are being examined to trace their origin, serial numbers, and potential links to theft or black-market sales.
Suspected Smuggling and Chemical Exposure
Brazil has strict regulations on imported electronics, and authorities suspect the woman may have been a human courier attempting to smuggle high-value devices into the country, a method increasingly reported in border areas between Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Reports indicate up to 25% of smartphones entering Brazil in 2025 have failed customs clearance.
What made this case even more unusual was the manner in which the phones were attached to her body. Medical professionals raised red flags about the adhesives used, as some industrial glues contain toxic chemicals that can cause skin burns, respiratory distress, and even organ failure if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
While small red burns were noted on the woman’s skin, authorities were cautious not to jump to conclusions. An autopsy was commissioned, and officials emphasised the need to rule out underlying medical conditions.
Autopsy Confirms Natural Cause of Death
After nearly two weeks of public speculation, authorities finally confirmed that the cause of death was cardiac arrest following a seizure, with no direct link to the glue or the phones. There was no evidence of drug use or foul play. This final report quietened theories ranging from chemical poisoning to electrocution from battery heat.
Still, questions remain. Who was this woman? Was she working alone or under pressure? Was she desperate or deceived?
A Broader Issue of Desperation and Exploitation
Human rights groups were quick to highlight the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, especially migrants and those from low-income backgrounds, who are often coerced into smuggling for criminal syndicates. Advocacy groups urged authorities to focus on dismantling trafficking networks instead of punishing the carriers alone.
Meanwhile, Brazilian lawmakers renewed calls for harsher penalties for smuggling operations and stricter controls at the country’s porous borders. Health experts also stressed the need to regulate industrial adhesives, which are increasingly surfacing in black-market logistics.
The case, while shocking in its presentation, has touched a nerve with the public — a sobering reminder of how economic desperation, criminal networks, and overlooked health risks can converge with fatal consequences.
As authorities continue their investigation, the identity of the woman remains protected to safeguard her family’s privacy. But the incident is now being remembered not just as an unusual smuggling case, but as a tragedy that lays bare the hidden costs of underground economies.