Payam Javan: Authorities in Paraguay have made a significant breakthrough in their battle against drug trafficking, announcing their largest cocaine seizure to date. The discovery, unveiled under the operation name “Operation Sweetness,” stunned officials as over 4 tons of cocaine were found hidden within a shipment of sugar destined for Belgium. President Santiago Peña lamented this milestone, describing it as part of a troubling trend transforming Paraguay into a central hub for drug cartels in the region.

The seizure, valued at approximately $240 million, marks a critical blow to organized crime networks using Paraguay as a transit point. President Peña emphasized the government’s determination to intensify security measures, pledging coordinated efforts to disrupt drug trafficking operations. He underscored the message that Paraguay would not tolerate its infrastructure being exploited for illegal activities, promising robust enforcement to prevent future incidents.

Paraguay, though not a cocaine producer like neighboring countries, has increasingly become a favored route for smuggling drugs, along with cigarettes and luxury goods. This illicit trade has fueled corruption and violence, posing new challenges for a nation historically unaccustomed to such criminal activity. Authorities suspect the cocaine seized in this operation was destined for European markets, highlighting Paraguay’s strategic geographical advantage for international drug trafficking networks.