‘VIP dealer’ arrested in Ciudad del Este with premium marijuana, cocaine, Tusi and ecstasy

A suspected drug dealer who allegedly supplied Ciudad del Este’s affluent party crowd has been arrested with premium marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and suspected Tusi, authorities said.

Agents from Paraguay’s Specialized Anti-Narcotics Department, working with prosecutor Luis Fernando Escobar, raided a house on Alejo García Street and detained Erwin Javier Bogado Vera, a 33-year-old Paraguayan citizen.

The operation uncovered 140 grams of vacuum-packed premium marijuana buds, 50.3 grams of cocaine and 734 ecstasy tablets. Officers also seized a 41.15-gram package and several portions of suspected MDMA, along with 54.2 grams of pink powder believed to be Tusi. The powder was stored in two plastic containers, together with flavorings and two tubes of coloring.

Deputy Inspector Manuel Ayala, from the anti-narcotics department, said the suspect had a “VIP” clientele with relatively high purchasing power. He said the drugs were associated with a more exclusive social circle and parties, rather than the substances more commonly found in poorer neighborhoods.

Investigators believe Bogado Vera sold the drugs both from his home and at parties. They said he obtained some substances from other suppliers, while preparing cocaine and Tusi at home. Ayala clarified that so-called Tusi cocaine is not actually cocaine, but a substance intended to imitate its effects. Its active ingredients can include MDMA mixed with ketamine. Investigators put the value of the seized drugs at about 150 million guaraníes and are examining a possible international trafficking network.

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This type of drug is not consumed in the underworld of the neighborhoods, where marijuana, some cocaine and crack generally circulate. These drugs are for people with greater purchasing power, who live more comfortably in society. They are the people who usually move in party circles, in a somewhat more closed social group.