Two Brazilians arrested in Paraguay for counterfeit drug trafficking

Paraguayan authorities have apprehended two Brazilian nationals in the Alto Paraná department, accusing them of involvement in a sophisticated network dedicated to the falsification and illicit trafficking of tirzepatide. This medication, primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, is also widely used for weight loss.

The operation, dubbed 'Narciso' and conducted simultaneously with Brazilian security forces, targeted a residence in Ciudad del Este, a city bordering Brazil. During the raid, law enforcement seized approximately 2,000 doses of what is believed to be counterfeit tirzepatide. Carlos Duré, head of the International Police Cooperation Department, described the bust as a significant contribution to identifying a large-scale operation smuggling illegal goods into Brazil.

Investigators are looking into allegations of international trafficking of illegal or counterfeit drugs, with connections to money laundering and drug trafficking activities. Duré highlighted the high demand for tirzepatide in Brazil, where it is often obtained at a lower cost from Paraguay, making it a lucrative target for counterfeiters.

The Paraguayan Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into alleged trademark violations following the discovery of what they term a "clandestine laboratory" for tirzepatide production. The two arrested Brazilians also face existing arrest warrants in their home country for serious offenses, including drug trafficking, criminal association, money laundering, counterfeit medication, and illegal firearm possession. This recent operation follows a similar dismantling of a clandestine lab producing counterfeit tirzepatide in Pedro Juan Caballero on August 6.

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en la que se incautaron cerca de 2.000 dosis de tirzepatiza presumiblemente falsificada