Hugo Baptista Báez ordered to prison over alleged SENAD corruption

Hugo Derlis Baptista Báez, the former director of Paraguay’s National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD), has been ordered to undergo preventive detention at the Viñas Cué military prison. The decision was issued by Judge Osmar Legal following Baptista Báez’s voluntary surrender to authorities.

Baptista Báez is accused of involvement in a corruption and institutional protection network linked to the criminal organization known as ‘Clan Gomes’. Specifically, prosecutors allege he participated in leaking sensitive information and facilitating the escape of drug trafficker Ronaldo Mendes Nunes during ‘Operation Sanctus’ in December 2023. The investigation, which stems from data extracted from the phone of the late legislator Eulalio Gomes, suggests the clan maintained a protection scheme involving elements of the police, prosecution, and SENAD.

The defense requested house arrest, citing Baptista Báez’s 33-year career, his ties to the country, and his health condition, including type 2 diabetes. However, the judge rejected this request, citing a high risk of flight—noting the defendant holds Brazilian documentation—and the potential for him to obstruct justice by influencing witnesses or altering documents due to his former high-ranking position.