The Minister of the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (Senad) of Paraguay, Jalil Rachid, announced the reopening of cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of the United States, after having suspended it in January due to lack of access to investigations conducted by foreign agents in the country. Rachid stressed that the decision to restore cooperation responds to the need to strengthen the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking in Paraguay, ensuring that “situations of ungovernability will not be repeated.” Furthermore, he insisted that national sovereignty will be respected within the framework of this collaboration.
The DEA has historically maintained an active presence in Paraguay, providing support in investigations and operations against drug trafficking. However, the lack of access to reports generated by its agents had generated tensions with Paraguayan authorities. With this new working scheme, the government seeks to balance international cooperation with greater control over operations conducted in its territory. Among the key changes, Senad will designate 15 Paraguayan agents who will work in close coordination with the DEA.
“These agents will undergo periodic evaluations, including polygraph tests, to ensure their suitability and prevent leaks of information,” Rachid stated. He explained that the decision to suspend cooperation was initially due to Senad not having information about the operations conducted by the U.S. agency, which raised concerns about a possible lack of governability in the fight against drug trafficking. After weeks of negotiations, it was agreed that cooperation would resume under new conditions.
