Paraguay Seizes 4 Tons of Cocaine in Sugar Shipment

In a landmark operation dubbed "Operation Sweetness," Paraguayan authorities have seized over 4 tons of cocaine hidden within a shipment of sugar destined for Belgium, marking the largest cocaine bust in the nation's history. The seizure, valued at approximately $240 million, was announced by President Santiago Peña, who emphasized the need to disrupt the cocaine trade and expressed hope that this significant find would deter organized crime from using Paraguay as a transit point. Paraguay's strategic location and extensive river ports have made it a key hub for drug trafficking, despite the country not being a cocaine producer itself. President Peña noted that the nation has increasingly become a smuggling haven for various illicit goods, including drugs, as cartels seek new routes to reach European markets. This shift has led to rising corruption and violence, transforming Paraguay's previously tranquil landscape. The cocaine was discovered at the capital's seaport in Asuncion after authorities detected a suspicious shipment. The National Anti-Drug Secretariat (Senad) coordinated with other government agencies to execute the bust, which has led to the detention of a truck driver linked to the shipment. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the organized criminal group responsible for the logistics behind this massive drug operation. Peña reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing port security and preventing drug trafficking, stating that the recent seizure sends a clear message to organized crime. He affirmed that Paraguay is determined to combat its role as a transit country for drugs, aiming to discourage traffickers from using its territory.