A suspected drink-driver has been caught smuggling a huge stash of World Cup merch after flipping his car during a chase with the cops.
The suspect was driving along a highway at night with the headlights off when the police spotted him.
They signalled for the driver to pull over, but instead he stepped on the gas.
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A controlled pursuit was immediately launched with alerts to nearby units.
A short distance later, officers discovered the Ford Focus overturned on the highway with the driver trapped inside.
He was freed and given first aid.
He showed clear signs of intoxication, according to the police.
The Peruvian suspect was placed under arrest on National Route 7 near the mountain town of Uspallata, Argentina, in the early hours of yesterday morning (20 May).
After inspecting the crashed vehicle, officers found numerous boxes of official World Cup 2026 albums and sticker packets in the boot and rear seats.
Experts valued the contraband haul at around £9,440 (ARS 17.7m).
The authorities described the quantity as a significant seizure for the route.
The merchandise, believed to have been smuggled from Chile, was seized and handed to Argentina’s customs authority (DGA), as reported by Need To Know.
The man was duly taken into custody and his Ford Focus was impounded.
Prosecutors ordered checks on his background, an immigration alert, and verification of his address.
No immediate details of his identity or any previous convictions have been released.
He now faces multiple federal charges, including smuggling contraband, dangerous driving, and evading law enforcement officials.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to curb cross-border smuggling along the Andean corridor, particularly of high-demand sports memorabilia ahead of the 2026 tournament.
The investigation continues.
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