In the Operativo Scanner drug trafficking case concluded on August 19, 2026, a Paraguayan sentencing tribunal handed down a 14-year prison term to Luis Alberto Servián, identified by Ultima Hora as a political operator for liberal Senator Líder Amarilla. Four co-defendants received prison sentences ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 years, while attorney Carlos Duarte was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
The Bottom Line
- Severe Penalties: Luis Alberto Servián received a 14-year sentence for his role in preparations to ship cocaine to Spain via Aeropuerto Internacional Silvio Pettirossi.
- Acquittal and Appeal: Attorney Carlos Duarte was acquitted, prompting prosecutor Andrés Arriola to announce an appeal.
- Systemic Scrutiny: The tribunal referred trial records back to prosecutors to investigate other facts exposed during virtual court proceedings.
The Mechanics of the Operativo Scanner Verdict
According to Ultima Hora, the Tribunal de Sentencia comprising judges Juan Dávalos, Inés Galarza, and Pablino Barreto delivered verdicts for multiple defendants tied to an 11 October 2023 drug seizure. Investigators intercepted Eliana Beatriz Cardozo carrying a suitcase filled with cocaine intended for an Air Europa flight to Madrid. Cardozo received a 4.5-year prison sentence, matching the term given to airport worker Ramón Arrúa.
Evidence established that Servián handed documents to Arrúa, who then guided Cardozo through a non-standard security screening circuit. Although scanner supervisor Basilio Rodríguez and machine operator Marta Coronel detected the narcotics, they allowed the passenger to pass. Rodríguez was sentenced to 4 years, and Coronel received 3.5 years. Prosecutors failed to link this incident to a separate investigation known as Operativo Oasis, prompting the panel to acquit attorney Carlos Duarte of preliminary drug trafficking acts under Article 26 of national drug legislation.
Judicial Friction and Prosecutorial Pushback
The panel of judges directed sharp criticism toward the Public Ministry for delaying investigations that could have uncovered wider operational links sooner. Judge Pablino Barreto noted during proceedings that the court found no logical explanation for the timeline of the state’s investigative steps. Prosecutor Andrés Arriola rejected the tribunal’s conclusions regarding Duarte’s acquittal.
Arriola stated that the court ignored compelling evidence presented by the prosecution and announced plans to challenge the ruling in a higher court. Beyond the immediate sentences, the judges forwarded case transcripts to prosecutors to evaluate whether additional individuals exposed during the virtual hearings warrant criminal investigation.
| Defendant | Role | Verdict | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Alberto Servián | Political Operator | Guilty (Preparatory Acts) | 14 Years |
| Eliana Beatriz Cardozo | Passenger / Courier | Guilty (Incomplete Attempt) | 4 Years, 6 Months |
| Ramón Arrúa | Airport Worker | Guilty | 4 Years, 6 Months |
| Basilio Rodríguez | Scanner Supervisor | Guilty | 4 Years |
| Marta Coronel | X-Ray Operator | Guilty | 3 Years, 6 Months |
| Carlos Duarte | Attorney | Acquitted (Benefit of Doubt) | None |
Broader Economic and Institutional Implications
Future Trajectory for Regional Compliance
The referral of additional trial records to prosecutors suggests that secondary investigations could expand the scope of indictments.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
