The National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD) arrested a former soccer player accused of acting as a distributor of retail cocaine in the Cordillera department. Guido Ariel Peralta Gómez, 34, who was part of Cerro Porteño's reserve team, was detained during Operation Red Card, which included three simultaneous raids in Itacurubí de la Cordillera.
During the operation, 219 grams of cocaine, equivalent to approximately 438 doses, were seized, along with cash and other evidence. Peralta Gómez attempted to discard the drugs by throwing them into the backyard of a residence but was caught by agents. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Prosecutor Gedeón Escobar.
In a separate operation, SENAD dismantled a marijuana production and storage complex in the rural area of Cerro Corá, in the Amambay department. At the site, over 21 tons of the drug in various stages of processing were destroyed – including 12,000 kilograms already shredded and 150 kilograms pressed and packaged. Equipment such as wooden presses, hydraulic jacks, and sifting systems were also eliminated.
Additionally, police discovered a shipment of approximately 8,000 kilograms of pressed marijuana hidden on the banks of the Itaipu Lake in the Mbaracayú district. The drugs were camouflaged under trees, near clandestine docks used for cross-border smuggling. No individuals were found at the location.
The actions are part of ongoing efforts to combat narcotrafficking and retail drug networks in different regions of Paraguay. All seized material was made available to the Public Ministry for investigation.