Paraguay seeks to intensify control over drug trafficking flights

Paraguay's President Santiago Peña convened a National Defense Council (Codena) meeting to assess national security and defense strategies, with a particular focus on enhancing the fight against illegal flights, including those used for drug trafficking. The meeting aimed to strengthen the coordination between various state institutions involved in security efforts.

Sources within the military have indicated the government's intention to ramp up operations against illicit air traffic. Although Paraguay's current laws do not permit the direct downing of aircraft, the Air Force's A-29 Super Tucano planes are equipped to respond if latent threats are detected. This capability is seen as a crucial element in deterring and intercepting illegal flights that pose a risk to national security.

Defense Minister Óscar González emphasized the ongoing commitment to combating organized crime, stating, "We have applied a significant brake, but there is still much more to do. We will never be satisfied with the work. Much has been done, but there is still a lot missing before we can say that organized crime has had a decrease in its activities." He acknowledged that while substantial progress has been made, further efforts are necessary to effectively control criminal organizations operating within the country. The Council's discussions, which remained confidential, likely covered sensitive issues related to intelligence sharing and operational strategies.

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We have applied a significant brake, but there is still much more to do. We will never be satisfied with the work. Much has been done, but there is still a lot missing before we can say that organized crime has had a decrease in its activities.