Radar, Biometrics and a First-Ever Anti-Narcotics Office: Washington and Paraguay Are Tightening the Net on Narco-Traffickers
During Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau's Oct. 19–21 trip, the U.S. and Paraguay signed an aerial intercept agreement, moved to deploy the PISCES border-screening system, opened talks on civil nuclear cooperation and welcomed new U.S. investment. In our view, this is how to reward a loyal partner and secure the hemisphere.
By Clara Hughes
ALTAS WORLD NEWS OPINION | By Clara Hughes, Chief Opinion Editor | October 23, 2026 | 6-min read In the heart of South America, small planes loaded with drugs have long exploited gaps in radar coverage, and criminal networks have moved money and people across porous borders. Paraguay has decided it has had enough, and this week the Trump administration showed up to help. During Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau's Oct. 19–21 visit to Asunción, the two countries signed new security agreements, announced new U.S. assistance and took steps toward deeper economic ties [1]. In our view, this is the hemisphere-first foreign policy President Trump promised: practical help for friends who share our fight. Key Takeaways Landau and Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez signed an Aerial Intercept Assistance Agreement to help Paraguay monitor and protect its airspace against suspected narcotrafficking flights [1]. They also signed a Memorandum of Intent to deploy the PISCES border management and passenger screening system to Paraguay [1]. The State Department announced $5.5 million for counterterrorism, counter-terrorist-financing and border security work, plus $6.25 million to fight transnational organized crime [1].