Paraguay Seizes $4.3M Worth Of High-THC Marijuana Hidden In Trucks From Miami

Paraguayan anti-drug agents on Tuesday seized 311 kilograms of high-potency marijuana concealed inside two pickup trucks imported from Miami, officials said. The shipment was discovered during a routine inspection of a sealed shipping container at the Terport terminal in Villeta, south of Asunción.

Operation Details

The National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD) reported that its officers, working jointly with the National Customs and Tax Directorate, uncovered specially constructed hidden compartments in both vehicles after the container was flagged through risk analysis and profiling procedures. One pickup, identified by Brazil's Campo Grande News as a RAM model, featured an elaborate double-floor concealment system.

SENAD described the cargo as 'premium' marijuana with elevated levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Based on an estimated street price of $14,000 per kilogram in Brazil, the agency placed the seized shipment's value at roughly $4.3 million on the Brazilian market.

Leadership and Next Steps

Anti-narcotics prosecutor Pamela Pérez led the operational phase of the investigation for the Public Ministry. SENAD Minister Jalil Rachid told Paraguayan broadcaster Radio Ñandutí that Brazil's strong market for both conventional and high-potency cannabis likely explained the shipment's suspected destination. He described Brazil as having an 'enormous marijuana consumer market, from common varieties to premium products.'

Paraguayan authorities did not publicly identify the importer of the vehicles or announce arrests. SENAD said the investigation is ongoing.

At a glance: 311 kg seized; drugs hidden inside two imported pickup trucks; container inspected after risk profiling; estimated value ~$4.3M in Brazil.