On April 16, 2025, a large quantity of narcotics was intercepted in air cargo arriving from Miami, USA, at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport located in Luque, Paraguay. Customs officials from the National Directorate of Revenue (DNIT) of Paraguay reported discovering and confiscating a total of 5.4 kg of suspected marijuana during risk profiling and customs inspection procedures.
The seizure occurred while DNIT officials stationed at the airport were conducting thorough inspections of incoming cargo. The first instance of interception took place during the screening of 35 cargo bundles (total weight 1,461 kg) shipped from Miami, Florida. During an X-ray scan, a suspicious image resembling organic material was detected in one of the boxes, strongly suggesting the presence of marijuana. Consequently, customs officials conducted a physical inspection of the box.
Agents from the Paraguayan National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD) and the drug detection dog ‘Zorro’ were deployed to the scene to assist with the search. The detection dog showed a positive reaction to the box, clearly indicating the presence of illicit substances. The seized narcotics were handed over to SENAD officials for further investigation and legal proceedings.
On the same day, DNIT officials intercepted a second suspicious shipment during another routine inspection. This shipment also originated from Miami and consisted of 45 bundles with a total weight of 2,189 kg.
A scanner inspection revealed approximately 2 kg of organic material, suspected to be marijuana, in a box destined for a domestic recipient in Paraguay. Similar to the previous case, SENAD's drug detection dog reacted positively to the substance, confirming it as an illegal narcotic.
These successive drug seizures are seen as an indication of the Paraguayan authorities' intensified efforts in border security and the prevention of drug smuggling. In particular, the focused inspection of cargo originating from regions such as the United States, which can be used as drug trafficking routes, appears to be yielding results.
Paraguay is known as a drug trafficking hub in the South American region, and narcotics entering through its neighboring countries are a major route for international drug trafficking organizations transporting them to Europe and other destinations. 1 In response, the Paraguayan government is making multifaceted efforts to eradicate drug trafficking, including strengthening border controls and reinforcing related laws.
The large-scale drug seizure at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport demonstrates the Paraguayan authorities' commitment to combating drug trafficking and also underscores the need for international cooperation in investigations. It is anticipated that the Paraguayan authorities will expand related investigations to trace the masterminds behind the drug trafficking organizations and further strengthen international cooperation to move towards becoming a drug-free nation.
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