Micro-trafficking: Drug distribution points attacked in Villa Elisa

Police in Villa Elisa, Paraguay, have dismantled a drug distribution network primarily run by young people, arresting two suspects in an operation targeting micro-trafficking. The operation, carried out by the National Police's Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Department, focused on a cocaine and drug delivery service operating from a residence in the Rosedal neighborhood.

Edison Ariel Gaona, 27, and Fiorella Monserrath Florentín Bogado, 18, were arrested at the scene. Inside the property, authorities discovered 130 grams of cocaine, divided into 780 doses apparently intended for sale at 50,000 Paraguayan guaranis each. The suspects were also found with packaged marijuana, a small amount of crack cocaine, and precision scales used for dosing the substances.

Anti-drug agents have intensified efforts nationwide to combat drug distribution points. However, police sources indicate that despite daily operations in Asunción and surrounding areas, the flow of drug sales remains persistent. The pattern observed is that when one distribution point is shut down and its operators are arrested, neighbors often take over the trade. Subsequently, when the initial suspects are released or placed under house arrest, they resume their operations, leading to multiple points of sale in the same neighborhood.

More alarmingly, investigations by the Homicide Investigation Department have revealed links between these micro-traffickers and violent incidents, including attacks and homicides in Asunción and several cities in the Central department, such as Ypané and Guarambaré, where the most recent incidents have been detected.