Interpol arrests logistics liaison of cocaine network destined for Europe in Concepción
Interpol agents arrested Mateo González Paredes, 38, who was accused of responsibility for drug transport to Europe. The operation stemmed from an investigation initiated in 2023.
Interpol detains logistics manager of narco network bound for Europe at Paso Barreto
Agents from the Interpol Department arrested on Tuesday 28 October Mateo González Paredes, 38, on departmental route D028 in the stretch Huguá Ñandú–Sargento José Félix López, in the district of Paso Barreto, department of Concepción. According to latribuna.com.py, González Paredes was the logistics link in a criminal structure dedicated to sending cocaine to European countries in shipping containers.
Sub-commissioner Omar Ovelar, of Interpol Paraguay, explained that the case dates back to 2023, when someone attempted to remove goods with concealed cocaine from the country through Silvio Pettirossi International Airport. This incident initiated the search for the now-detained individual.
In March 2023, the Special Unit for Sensitive Anti-Narcotics Intelligence and Related Punishable Offences of the National Police launched the "Betroka" operation. The objective was an alleged criminal organisation which, according to the investigation, operated in the departments of Concepción and Amambay, and which was dedicated to drug trafficking by land and air, drug processing and shipment abroad.
Throughout the investigation there were arrests and others remained under investigation. On 12 June 2025, the Specialised Criminal Court for Organised Crime, First Rotation, of Asunción issued Judicial Document number 147, a capture order of national and international scope directed specifically against González Paredes. The order was executed this week, more than a year after its issuance.
Ovelar detailed that the detainee was responsible for transporting the merchandise within the criminal scheme. Following his arrest, González Paredes was placed at the disposal of the prosecution handling the case and the competent court.
The case contemplates alleged punishable offences of organised crime, international drug trafficking, possession of narcotic substances and criminal association, among other charges. The sub-commissioner clarified that other individuals linked to the scheme continue to be investigated and that police are working to locate them and place them at the disposal of justice.
Source: Google News PY — Crime