Paraguay is currently facing a severe drug problem that has reached a level threatening the safety and future of the entire society. Recent reports from Última Hora warn of the imminent threat of the spread of dangerous synthetic drugs, echoing the voices of citizens demanding immediate and substantial action from the government. Addiction, petty drug dealing, and large-scale drug trafficking are interconnected issues, and without an effective solution, Paraguay's future looks bleak.
The drug eradication programs presented by the government have repeatedly failed to achieve tangible results, drawing criticism for reactive measures and a persistent lack of urgency. From ‘Chau Chespi’ and ‘Sumar’ to ‘Más en mi Barrio’ (More in My Neighborhood), the government has rolled out various policies, but the changes felt on the ground are minimal. This likely stems from a failure to properly understand the complexity of the drug problem and a focus on superficial approaches.
In particular, the poor public health and education systems, rampant social inequality, and the precarious future of the youth exacerbate the difficulty of resolving the drug issue. Young people who lack access to proper medical support, are deprived of educational opportunities, and struggle to find stable employment can easily fall prey to the temptation of drugs. The government must address these fundamental socio-economic problems alongside a multifaceted and in-depth approach to the drug problem.
Interior Minister Enrique Riera's emphasis on the role of community leaders through the ‘Más en mi Barrio’ program can be seen as a positive step forward. The active participation and cooperation of community members are essential in tackling the drug problem. However, for this initiative to have a real impact, it needs concrete implementation plans and sufficient resource allocation. Simply relying on the voluntary efforts of the community has clear limitations.
A more serious concern is that Paraguay is now facing a new threat: the proliferation of dangerous synthetic drugs. Potent synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and ecstasy are highly addictive and cause severe physical and mental harm, even leading to death. Furthermore, the existence of clandestine drug manufacturing facilities indicates that the distribution of these synthetic drugs is becoming more organized and widespread. This implies that Paraguay's drug problem goes beyond individual deviance and is linked to the activities of serious criminal organizations that threaten national security.
According to a report by the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD), no area in the capital city of Asunción is safe from drug trafficking, demonstrating that Paraguay's drug problem has already deeply infiltrated society. This is stark evidence of the government's inadequate drug eradication efforts and signifies that there is no more time for complacency.
The Paraguayan government must mobilize all national capabilities to resolve the drug problem. This cannot be achieved solely through the efforts of judicial institutions; cooperation across all sectors of society, including education, health, and welfare, is essential. Prevention education should be strengthened to prevent young people from falling into the trap of drugs, and a specialized treatment and rehabilitation system for addicts must be established. Additionally, strong crackdowns on drug trafficking organizations and international cooperation are necessary to cut off drug supply chains.
Above all, strong government will and leadership are crucial. Winning the war on drugs requires a long-term vision and consistent policy implementation, not just short-term fixes. A society must be created where all Paraguayan children, adolescents, and young adults can break free from the shadow of drugs, realize their full potential, and contribute to national development. Now is the time for the Paraguayan government to prove its raison d'être and make every effort to protect the safety and future of its citizens.
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