Paraguay’s SENAD anti-drug agency and the CODI internal-defence command carried out Operativo Marangatu against an alleged drug-trafficking network.[1][2] Officers detained four men, named as Carlos Daniel Cocco Rodriguez, Ruben Carlos Morel Ortiz, Carlos Alejandro Candia Alcaraz and Ariel Ramon Ibanez Eydans.[1] Ibanez was wounded in the shootout and was taken to the Regional Hospital of San Pedro de Ycuamandiyu, where his condition was reported as stable and out of danger.[1] The operation involved an exchange of gunfire between the security forces and the armed group guarding the load.[3][2]

The forces seized 57 tonnes of marijuana, described as pressed marijuana ready for shipment.[1][2] The authorities valued the seized drug at more than 22 million US dollars, plus seized weapons and vehicles.[1][2] They also seized eight high-end pickup trucks, including four Toyota Hilux, two Chevrolet S10 and a Renault with Brazilian plates, plus a red Kenton motorcycle.[3] They also seized a 12-gauge shotgun, a 9mm Glock pistol with a RONI kit and full magazine, a 5.56mm rifle and an undetonated calibre-50 cartridge.[3]

The load was said to be destined for the Brazilian criminal market.[1][2] The Joint Task Force, made up of National Police, Armed Forces and SENAD personnel, deployed by land and air in Curuguaty district, about 250 kilometres from Asuncion, after intelligence about a large export-bound load.[1] The Joint Task Force spokesman said the marijuana could belong to Felipe Acosta Riveros, alias Macho, whom the Paraguayan authorities link to drug trafficking.[1][2]

The seizure totalled 4,172 packages holding about 57 tonnes of pressed marijuana.[2] President Santiago Pena called it the largest pressed-marijuana load seized in Paraguay’s history.[2]