In a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, Paraguayan authorities have announced the largest cocaine seizure in the country's history. More than 4 tons of cocaine were discovered hidden inside a shipment of sugar bound for Belgium. This alarming incident marks the second time this week that South American officials have uncovered a significant drug bust involving a food shipment.

Dubbed "Operation Sweetness," the seizure has sent shockwaves through Paraguay and highlighted the grave issue of drug smuggling in the strategically located nation. President Santiago Peña addressed the press, expressing his deep concern over the growing number of "very sad episodes" that have transformed Paraguay into a key hub for drug trafficking in the region.

With an estimated value of around $240 million, President Peña hopes that this record-breaking seizure will disrupt the lucrative cocaine trade and serve as a strong deterrent for organized criminal groups that use Paraguay as a transit point. The authorities vow to intensify their efforts to enhance port security, sending a clear message that they are determined and working in a coordinated manner to counter drug trafficking activities.

The discovery was made on Monday at Puerto Caacupemi, a river port in the capital city of Asunción, where officials from Paraguay's anti-drug agency, Senad, began unloading shipping containers filled with sacks of sugar weighing 88 pounds each. The painstaking operation to uncover and weigh the hidden cocaine continued throughout Tuesday.

Images released by the authorities reveal Senad agents and their drug-detection dogs inspecting the sacks of sugar, providing a glimpse into the operation. The origin of the seized drugs remains unclear, as Paraguay itself does not produce cocaine. However, the nation has gained notoriety in recent years as a haven for smuggling activities, encompassing not only drugs but also cigarettes and luxury goods. This resurgence in illicit trade has led to corruption and violence, unsettling a country that was previously unaccustomed to such issues.

Paraguay's river ports, said to have a globally recognized traffic system, have become known as hotspots for drug traffickers to establish new routes and reach untapped markets. Notably, several of the largest cocaine busts in Europe, particularly in Belgium's port of Antwerp, have been traced back to these bustling river ports.

This historic cocaine seizure in Paraguay comes just a day after Ecuadorian authorities discovered over six tons of cocaine concealed within a banana shipment headed for Germany. In February, British authorities also intercepted a record-breaking seizure of over 12,500 pounds of cocaine hidden in a shipment of the fruit.

The global fight against drug trafficking continues to intensify as law enforcement agencies across South America and Europe work tirelessly to disrupt the operations of cartels and organized criminal networks. Authorities in Paraguay and beyond remain committed to strengthening their efforts and preventing illicit drugs from reaching their intended destinations.