Former Olympian Arrested in Drug Trafficking Inquiry
A former Paraguayan national team football player and Olympic medalist, Julio Manzur, has been arrested and is under investigation for alleged involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering, police say.
Details Emerge in Ex-Olympian’s Drug Case
Julio Manzur,a retired football player who represented Paraguay at the 2004 Athens Olympics,is under investigation for allegedly financing the purchase and distribution of cocaine,according to Paraguayan National Police sources.
“Piki Vóley” Matches Under Scrutiny
Anti-drug task force leader César Diarte stated that authorities had been monitoring Manzur for four months prior to his arrest. Manzur was allegedly organizing “Piki Vóley” (footvolley) matches across various cities in the Central Department.
Drug Sales Allegedly Linked to footvolley Events
Diarte added that these footvolley matches saw large sums of money changing hands, and also a substantial amount of drug sales. Several other retired football players are also being investigated.
“Piki Vóley”: A Combination of Football and Volleyball
“Piki Vóley” is a popular sport in Paraguay that combines elements of football and volleyball.
drug traffickers Exploit Soccer-themed Sport for Distribution in Paraguay
Authorities uncover a drug trafficking ring using a popular sport, a combination of soccer and volleyball, as a cover for distributing cocaine, sparking a broader investigation involving prominent figures.
cocaine Ring Busted at Soccer-Volleyball Event; Retired Soccer Stars Implicated
PARAGUAY – A drug trafficking operation exploiting the popularity of a unique sport blending soccer and volleyball, known locally as “footvolley,” has been dismantled by Paraguayan authorities. The ring capitalized on the large crowds drawn to these events, frequently enough held in conjunction with local patron saint festivities, to distribute cocaine, evading roadside checks and meeting the demand from younger demographics.
Key Financier Arrested, More Soccer Stars Possibly Involved
The investigation led to the arrest of Mansoor, identified as a key financier in the drug trafficking scheme. According to police reports, Mansoor allegedly transported cocaine from Concepcion to Central Department and areas within asuncion, collaborating with local criminal groups. He is accused of distributing the drugs to smaller dealers after acquiring them.
Operation Details: Sting Nets Traffickers During distribution Attempt
On July 7,mansoor’s group reportedly received a shipment of cocaine in Yby Yau,Concepcion.They planned to transport and distribute a portion of the drugs later the same evening in Luque, Central department. anti-narcotics agents seized the possibility to apprehend them during this planned distribution.
Investigation Widens; More Arrests Possible
According to prosecutor Diarte, the investigation is ongoing, with indications that several well-known retired soccer players may be involved in the distribution of cocaine at these sporting events. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests of soccer stars as the investigation progresses.
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What penalties could Julio Manzur face if convicted of these charges?
Former Olympian Arrested in Drug trafficking Inquiry Linked to Footvolley in Paraguay
Authorities uncover a drug trafficking ring using a popular sport, a combination of soccer and volleyball, as a cover for distributing cocaine, sparking a broader investigation involving prominent figures.
Former Olympian Julio Manzur Arrested
Former Paraguayan national team football player and Olympic medalist Julio Manzur has been arrested and is under investigation for alleged involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering. Police sources indicate he was a key financier.
Footvolley Events Under Scrutiny
Manzur is accused of organizing “Piki Vóley” (footvolley) matches across various cities in the central Department, using them as a front. these events, which combine elements of football and volleyball, reportedly saw large sums of money changing hands and a substantial amount of drug sales.Several other retired football players are also being investigated.
Operation Details: Sting Nets Traffickers
The investigation led to the arrest of Manzur, identified as a key financier in the drug trafficking scheme. He allegedly transported cocaine from Concepcion to Central Department and areas within Asuncion, collaborating with local criminal groups. He is accused of distributing the drugs to smaller dealers after acquiring them. On July 7th, anti-narcotics agents apprehended a group during a planned distribution in Luque, Central department.
Investigation Widens; More Arrests Possible
Prosecutor Diarte stated that the investigation is ongoing, with indications that several well-known retired soccer players may be involved in the distribution of cocaine at these sporting events. Authorities have not ruled out additional arrests.
Q&A: Unpacking the Footvolley Drug Ring
- What is “Piki Vóley”?
- Piki Vóley, or footvolley, is a sport popular in Paraguay that combines elements of football (soccer) and volleyball.Players use their feet, head, and other body parts (except their hands) to keep the ball in play over a net.
- Who is Julio Manzur?
- Julio Manzur is a retired football player who represented Paraguay at the 2004 Athens Olympics.He is the key figure in this investigation, suspected of financing and organizing the drug trafficking operation.
- How was footvolley used in this case?
- The footvolley events were allegedly used as a cover for drug distribution. Large crowds at these events and the exchange of money provided an ideal surroundings for drug sales, allowing traffickers to evade detection.
- What’s next in the investigation?
- the investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into other possible participants, including other retired soccer players. Additional arrests are possible as the investigation progresses.The focus is on disrupting the distribution network and identifying all involved.
- What is the significance of this case?
- This case highlights how drug trafficking can infiltrate unexpected areas, such as sports and local events. It also underscores the importance of the police in combating organized crime through active surveillance and undercover operations.
Stay informed as this investigation unfolds. The story is developing, and more arrests are possible.
