Bolivian Anti-Drug Officers Suspended for Talking with Evo Morales

Two police officers from Bolivia's Special Force to Combat Drug Trafficking (Felcn) are under investigation and face disciplinary proceedings after a video surfaced showing them in conversation with former President Evo Morales. The incident occurred while Morales was en route to a meeting in Cochabamba's tropics.

The video, which went viral on social media, shows the two officers, a sergeant and a first sergeant, speaking casually with Morales inside a vehicle. Their discussion reportedly touched upon topics like gasoline quality and police salaries. This interaction is problematic as Morales is currently subject to at least two arrest warrants, including one issued on May 11 by the First Sentencing Court of Tarija for alleged human trafficking.

According to the Ministry of Government, the officers are being investigated for serious disciplinary infractions under Bolivia's Police Disciplinary Regime Law 101. Specifically, they are accused of disobeying administrative resolutions and failing to comply with mandates or regulatory orders. Depending on the findings, the officers could face suspension periods ranging from three months to a maximum of two years. The ministry reiterated its commitment to investigating and sanctioning any conduct that violates police regulations.