Paraguay Seizes $3M Gold at Asunción Airport

The National Police of Paraguay seized 22 kilograms of gold bars, valued at three million dollars, at the country's main airport on Saturday. The gold was being transported to Panama. During the operation, three alleged individuals were detained, including an official from the airport. Additionally, $11,000 and electronic equipment were confiscated. The head of the National Police's Department against Organized Crime, Commissioner Luis López, stated that his officers detained a public official and two private individuals, and seized approximately 22 kilograms of the precious metal. He added that the seized gold is valued at three million dollars on the national market. The detained official was the head of security at the airport terminal; his role was to ensure the cargo bypassed controls and scanners. The other two individuals were apprehended while receiving the bars in the international boarding area. The operation was carried out in the early hours of Saturday at Silvio Pettirossi Airport, which serves Asunción, in coordination with the National Directorate of Civil Aviation (DINAC) and the Attorney General's Office. According to the police chief, it was the result of a two-month investigation. López added that the investigation is ongoing due to suspicions that similar operations had previously been conducted at the airport.