Paraguayan anti-drug police have intercepted over four tonnes of cocaine hidden in sugar bags destined for Antwerp from the capital, Asuncion, authorities announced on Tuesday.
The total seizure, amounting to 4,016 kilos, heralds a “historic record”, National Anti-drug Secretary, Jalil Rachid, celebrated at a press conference.
"This is the largest drug haul seized so far," confirmed Oscar Orué, of the Paraguayan Revenue Directorate.
The operation, named "Sweetness", was conducted by a specialised brigade, uncovering the suspected containers at the private Cacupemi port.
According to authorities, the mission is ongoing, with potential "for more surprises".
For the criminals involved, this loss amounts to a $240 million (€220 million) loss, based on European cocaine sale prices as provided by the Anti-drug Secretariat.
Paraguayan cocaine has previously been seized at these ports; once in 2019, twice in 2020, and again in 2021 in the German city of Hamburg.
The previous record seizure in Paraguay occurred in October 2023, when 3,312 kilos were discovered at the port of Villeta and confiscated.
