SENAD Busts Kiosk in Villa Elisa, Finds Drugs Hidden in Charcoal Bags

Anti-drug agents in Paraguay have dismantled a drug micro-trafficking ring operating under the guise of a neighborhood kiosk in Villa Elisa. The operation, conducted by the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD) alongside prosecutor Arnaldo Venialgo, targeted a strategically located commercial stand in the Villa Bonita neighborhood.

While the kiosk appeared to offer everyday consumer goods, prior intelligence revealed suspicious and repetitive activity. Dozens of individuals, exhibiting signs of addiction, were observed entering the establishment empty-handed and leaving with bags of charcoal.

Upon entering the premises, agents inspected the stock and discovered that drug packages were concealed within the bags of charcoal. This method was used by the traffickers to disguise their illicit activities and evade detection by residents. SENAD agents seized 204 grams of crack and 28 grams of pure cocaine, which they estimate could have been distributed as approximately 1,500 doses.

The arrested individual is Víctor Manuel Contreras, a 61-year-old Chilean citizen. Investigators believe Contreras deliberately established the operation at this location to exploit a high concentration of vulnerable consumers and facilitate rapid drug distribution.