Mafia-Style Attack in Hernandarias Follows Arrest of 'Abuelita'

A mafia-style attack occurred in Hernandarias, Paraguay, in apparent retaliation for the arrest of a 77-year-old woman identified as Hipólita Penayo Mendieta, alias 'Abuelita'. Neighbors had reported her to the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (Senad) for allegedly selling drugs, including crack and marijuana, in the Santo Domingo neighborhood.

The Senad's Operation Matriarchado, which led to 'Abuelita's' arrest, also apprehended several alleged collaborators, including minors. During the raid on her home, authorities discovered nearly 1,000 doses of crack. Senad reported that neighbors celebrated 'Abuelita's' capture with firecrackers, having grown tired of the disturbances caused by her alleged drug-dealing activities.

Early Friday morning, two individuals on a motorcycle fired shots at the home of one of the neighbors who had denounced 'Abuelita.' The assailants also left threatening pamphlets at the scene, reportedly bearing the message "From Abuelita." Police are investigating the incident to identify the perpetrators of this intimidation.