Paraguay: 'Drug Grandma,' 77, and five others charged in micro-trafficking case

Paraguayan prosecutors have indicted five individuals, including a 77-year-old woman known as the "Drug Grandma," for allegedly operating a micro-trafficking ring in Hernandarias. The woman, identified as Hipólita Penayo Mendieta, is accused of leading the network, which also included three adults and two minors.

Prosecutors have requested pre-trial detention for the adult defendants, while the two teenagers are under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system. The arrests followed a raid on a residence in the Santo Domingo neighborhood, where authorities seized approximately 141.3 grams of suspected cocaine paste, divided into numerous doses. Additionally, 167,000 Paraguayan guaranis in cash, believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales, were confiscated as evidence.

Local residents reported that unknown individuals fired shots and left threatening notes outside their homes, allegedly targeting those who had reported "Abuelita" for drug sales. This indicates a climate of fear and intimidation surrounding the alleged operation.

Hipólita Penayo Mendieta has a history of drug-related offenses, with three prior convictions. She received sentences of 5 years and 6 months in 2019, 6 years in 2022, and 7 years and 6 months in 2024. Prosecutors are seeking the effective enforcement of her most recent sentence in a penitentiary facility.

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The indicted are three adults, including Hipólita Penayo Mendieta, 77, alias 'Abuelita' or 'Drug Grandma,' who allegedly was the leader of the micro-trafficking gang.