Bolivia reports 17 extradited capos, 58 aircraft seized in six months

Bolivian Interior Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo highlighted significant achievements in combating organized crime during the first six months of his administration, amidst rising violence in Santa Cruz. Oviedo reported that 17 high-value criminal leaders were extradited, and 58 aircraft suspected of being used for drug trafficking were seized, alongside the discovery of 10 clandestine airstrips. These operations, he stated, directly affected the logistics of criminal organizations involved in transporting drugs to international markets. The minister also noted the confiscation of 573 vehicles used for transporting drugs and chemical precursors. These interventions were coordinated efforts between the Special Force to Combat Drug Trafficking (Felcn), the Bolivian Police, and intelligence agencies across the country. Oviedo emphasized that interdiction efforts resulted in the seizure of 283 tons of drugs in the first semester, representing a major economic blow to drug trafficking organizations. He acknowledged that despite these successes, the work is not sufficient and requires continued effort with enhanced technology. The minister's remarks came as Santa Cruz faces a surge in violence, with nine homicides attributed to contract killings in the past five days.

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What I do from here is recognize the immense task we are doing. Is it enough? I ask myself. No, it is not enough. We have to continue working with more technology.