Paraguay Destroys Marijuana Fields and Narco Camps in Paso Bravo National Park
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Authorities in Paraguay destroyed 32 hectares of marijuana crops and three drug trafficking camps within the Paso Bravo National Park.
- The operation, conducted by SENAD with support from the Public Ministry and CODI, targeted an area in the Sargento Josรฉ Fรฉlix Lรณpez district.
- Due to the extensive cultivation, eradication efforts are ongoing and will continue into the following day.
Paraguayan authorities have successfully eradicated a significant marijuana cultivation operation within the Paso Bravo National Park. The National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD), in collaboration with the Public Ministry and the Internal Defense Operations Command (CODI), destroyed a total of 32 hectares of marijuana plots and three makeshift camps used by drug traffickers.
The operation took place in the Sargento Josรฉ Fรฉlix Lรณpez district, an area also known as Puentesiรฑo. The targeted marijuana crops were in their growth phase. The discovered camps were rudimentary structures used by those involved in the illicit cultivation. Both the camps and a portion of the marijuana fields were destroyed during the operation, which was carried out on Friday.
According to the regional report from SENAD, the extensive nature of the marijuana plantations means that the eradication efforts will continue. The destruction of the crops is scheduled to resume on Saturday, July 11, to ensure the complete removal of the illicit plants. This operation highlights the ongoing challenge of drug trafficking and illegal cultivation within protected natural areas in Paraguay.
Fiscal Pablo Renรฉ Zรกrate Gonzรกlez confirmed that the marijuana fields and associated camps were located within the boundaries of the Paso Bravo National Park. The operation, which began Friday morning, involved ground incursions and was supported by a helicopter due to the complex terrain of the area. This action underscores the government's commitment to combating drug-related activities and protecting national parks from illegal exploitation.
The three rudimentary camps were destroyed during the operation carried out this Friday.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.