A joint anti-drug operation between Paraguay and Brazil resulted in the destruction of more than 436 tons of marijuana in eastern Paraguay. The action, dubbed Operation New Alliance 57, involved Paraguay's National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD), the Internal Defense Operations Command (CODI), the Brazilian Federal Police, and the Paraguayan Air Force.
The work, which has already completed six days, focused on the Mbaracayú Forest and Morombí Natural Reserves in the department of Canindeyú, with extensions into Caaguazú. According to authorities, 24 clandestine camps were dismantled and between 145 and 175 hectares of marijuana plantations were eradicated. In addition to the marijuana still in the fields, 1,170 kilograms of processed and ready-to-sell drugs were destroyed.
SENAD reported that the financial loss caused to criminal organizations is estimated at more than 65 million dollars. The drugs were primarily destined for the Brazilian market. The institution emphasized that, in addition to combating drug trafficking, the operation aims to protect natural areas, which suffer from deforestation and environmental degradation caused by the installation of illegal crops.
Ground and air incursions are ongoing, with work expected to intensify in the Morombí Natural Reserve in the coming days. The current operation follows the steps of New Alliance 56, carried out weeks earlier in Amambay, which resulted in the seizure of 498 tons of marijuana.