A tragic and bizarre case has emerged in Brazil after a young woman was found dead during a long-distance bus journey — with 26 iPhones glued to her body.

The 20-year-old passenger, whose name has not been released, was traveling alone from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo when she suddenly fell ill. The incident took place on July 29, prompting an emergency response from authorities in the state of Paraná.

The bus had made a scheduled stop at a restaurant in the central region of Paraná. Witnesses say the woman began experiencing severe breathing difficulties, possibly as a result of a seizure. Moments later, she went into cardiac arrest.

Emergency medical teams were called to the scene and performed CPR for 45 minutes in an attempt to revive her. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the location.

While preparing her body for transport, police made an alarming discovery — dozens of packages strapped to her torso and legs, including 26 iPhones. A further search revealed additional mobile phones and alcoholic beverages hidden in her luggage.

The case immediately raised suspicions of smuggling. According to The Mirror, investigators believe the manner in which the items were concealed supports the theory that she may have been attempting to transport goods illegally.

Her body was sent to the Forensic Medical Institute for examination, while all of the seized items — including the iPhones and other products — were handed over to federal authorities.

At this stage, the precise cause of death has not been determined. A forensic report is still pending. However, preliminary information suggests she may have suffered a seizure, which could have triggered respiratory distress. Medical experts noted that her heart may have stopped after she was unable to breathe.

Importantly, a search using sniffer dogs did not detect any drugs on the woman or in her belongings, suggesting that the suspected trafficking may have been limited to electronic goods and alcohol.

Cops told Brazilian news outlet Globo: “The Paraná Civil Police are investigating the case and awaiting the conclusion of forensic reports to clarify the cause of death.”

They added: “According to preliminary information, the woman, who was alone, was traveling from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo. The 26 cell phones that were glued to her body were seized and sent to the Federal Revenue Service.”

Foz do Iguaçu, located near Brazil’s borders with Paraguay and Argentina, is a known hotspot for the movement of goods — both legally and illegally — due to its proximity to multiple international crossings. Electronics like smartphones are among the most commonly smuggled items, as they can be sold for significantly higher prices in Brazil than in neighboring countries.

In this case, however, the suspected smuggling attempt ended in tragedy. The combination of the physical strain of traveling with heavy items strapped to her body and a possible medical episode may have played a role in her sudden death, though investigators will wait for toxicology and autopsy results before confirming any cause.

For now, the young woman’s identity remains undisclosed while the investigation continues. The unusual circumstances surrounding her death have drawn nationwide attention, both for the mystery of how she died and the strange discovery that followed.