Paraguay Surges to Fourth Place in Global Organized Crime Index Amid Rise in Cocaine Trafficking

The Global Organized Crime Index: A Biannual Study

The latest edition of the Global Organized Crime Index, a biannual study by Swiss-based nongovernmental organization Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, has placed Paraguay in fourth place among 193 United Nations member countries. This jump is attributed to an increase in crime rate, with a score of 7.52 points compared to 6.70 in 2021.

The Transformation of Paraguay: From Transit Country to Emerging Source of Cocaine

The report highlights Paraguay’s transformation from a transit country to an emerging source of cocaine, with estimates suggesting that nearly 200 tons of the substance flow through the country each year, primarily from Bolivia and Peru. To evade land controls, traffickers utilize air and sea routes, involving politicians, agricultural workers, and elites who can be bribed to protect them.

Paraguay’s Role in Illicit Cannabis Production and Arms Trafficking

Paraguay also leads in illicit cannabis production in South America and serves as a key trafficking point to Brazil, with foreign criminal groups expanding their influence in the marijuana trade. The country functions as a distribution center for synthetic drugs destined for Argentina and Brazil. Additionally, Paraguay is a regional epicenter for arms trafficking and hosts Brazilian gang operations.

Convergence of International Criminal Actors

The convergence of international criminal actors such as Brazil’s First Capital Command, Italy’s ‘Ndrangheta, Colombian, and Mexican groups has put Paraguay on the map as a prominent distribution center. According to Juan Martens, a researcher at the National University of Pilar and INECIP-Paraguay, “organized crime is a challenge that crosses borders, requiring effective cooperation between countries from its beginnings in Bolivia, through Paraguay and Argentina, to possible destinations such as Europe or the United States.”

Challenges Faced by the Government

Paraguayan Interior Minister Enrique Riera acknowledged the rise in cocaine trafficking, stating that organized crime has advanced technology, unlimited financial resources, and significant operational capabilities. The country’s 1,500 clandestine airstrips, mainly located in Chaco, Canindeyú, Itapúa, and Misiones, are used to transport the substance.

Government Response

To combat this challenge, Minister Riera said that the government is looking into purchasing a shared radar system to improve airspace surveillance and protection. Authorities carry out ongoing extensive intelligence work, which recently resulted in the seizure of 3.3 tons of cocaine hidden in a container of rice bound for Belgium. The government has strengthened controls at ports and reestablished canine services.

Conclusion

A collaborative response is necessary to combat organized crime’s transnational nature, requiring cooperation between countries from its beginnings in Bolivia, through Paraguay and Argentina, to possible destinations such as Europe or the United States. As Martens said, “its transnational nature demands a collaborative response at the global level.”