A suspected member of the First Capital Command (PCC) was stabbed to death inside the Ciudad del Este prison. Rubén Fernando Verfer, 37, a Brazilian national, was found injured in the punishment cell of the P7 sector of the Prevention Center and died shortly after. Investigations point to Óscar Miguel Insfrán Molinas, imprisoned for homicide and aggravated robbery, as the perpetrator of the attack. Verfer was serving an 11-year sentence for participation in a hostage-taking at the Concepción Regional Penitentiary in 2019.
In Pedro Juan Caballero, the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD) arrested Heriberto Ramón García Gauto, 42, accused of being one of the main drug suppliers in the region. During a search of his residence, located a few meters from the Regional Penitentiary, more than 2 kilograms of cocaine, base paste, and marijuana were seized, along with money, ammunition, and a vehicle. An associate, Alexis Chamorro Gomes, was also detained. The operation was coordinated by prosecutor Celso Morales.
In Mariano Roque Alonso, the National Police arrested Sergio Francia Bernal, 25, known as "Bada," suspected of being an active PCC member and investigated for several homicides. The raid was conducted by the Department of Fight Against Organized Crime, with support from the Public Ministry.
At the border, a man investigated for drug trafficking in Paraguay was detained in Foz do Iguaçu. He was internationally wanted after the discovery of a clandestine synthetic drug laboratory in Ciudad del Este. During the operation, two luxury vehicles, Rolex watches, and precious stones were seized.
In Bolivia, police intercepted a bus carrying 86 kilograms of marijuana and displaying the initials of the Brazilian club São Paulo. The vehicle, from the company Buses Cosmos, was reportedly to be used to transport the team's delegation during the Copa Sudamericana. The company stated that São Paulo did not use the vehicle and that responsibility lies with the Bolivian drivers, who were detained. The Brazilian team's schedule was not affected.