Armored truck ambush in Paraguay reveals suspicious cargo, sparks investigation

Paraguayan authorities are investigating irregularities in the cargo of an armored truck ambushed by criminals in Yataity del Norte, potentially leading to charges against the involved transport companies. The incident, which occurred on July 1st, involved a commando-style assault where assailants blocked the route with vehicles and opened fire on the Yrendagüe SA armored truck.

The truck, en route from Ciudad del Este to Pedro Juan Caballero, was carrying 59 boxes of goods, not cash as is typical for such vehicles. The driver, under heavy fire, managed to evade the attackers and reach the local police station for refuge. During the investigation, it was discovered that the cargo included high-end cell phones, such as iPhones, and slimming medications, some of which were previously prohibited by health authorities.

Further complicating the situation, the refrigerated medications were reportedly transported among the boxes of cell phones. The attackers burned one vehicle and abandoned two vans and a pickup truck containing undetonated bombs. The driver and security guards stated they were hired by Cometa del Amambay SA, a parcel delivery company, which was allegedly responsible for the shipment.

Officials from the Public Ministry and the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT) are examining the documentation, with the possibility of imputations against those responsible at Yrendagüe SA and Cometa del Amambay SA. The investigation aims to clarify the nature of the cargo and the responsibilities of the companies involved in transporting the goods under questionable circumstances.