During a key training session at CT do Caju in Curitiba, an unexpected drone appearance interrupted the Brazilian national team’s preparations. The Paraná military police, alongside municipal guards, quickly intervened when the drone was spotted dangerously close to the players, bringing the session to an immediate halt.
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Arrests Made
The swift police action led to the arrest of three individuals, including nationals from Brazil and Ecuador. Found with gadgets like computers and mobile phones, suspicions of espionage emerged, complicating the scenario. “The suspects initially provided false identification, adding to the seriousness of the security breach,” stated Lieutenant Taborda.
Curitiba’s military police aren’t brushing it off just yet. While they’ve clamped down on any panic about espionage, they haven’t cleared the air completely. No arrests? Sure, but the investigation is far from over.
Lt. Everton Taborda gave ESPN the scoop.
“We’re looking at a possible health risk or endangerment initially,” he said, hinting that the drone might’ve been more than just an annoyance. Could someone be trying to snag illegal images for a quick buck? It’s on the table, and they’re digging deeper.
This isn’t just about a drone getting too close for comfort. It’s about what the drone was up there for. Capturing strategic plays? Filming private team moments? Whatever it is, selling those images isn’t just shady—it’s illegal.
2024 World Cup qualifiers
This incident comes at a critical time as Brazil, currently positioned sixth with seven points from six matches, faces upcoming games, pivotal for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They will face Ecuador this Friday at the Couto Pereira stadium and later, Paraguay in Asunción.
With the 2026 World Cup set to be the largest ever, featuring 48 teams hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This incident underlines the need for stringent security measures to ensure the team can focus on securing their qualification without such disturbances.
