Bolivian court frees man held for alleged 189.5 kg gold smuggling attempt

A Bolivian court has ordered the release of a 22-year-old man who was detained for allegedly attempting to smuggle 189.5 kilograms of gold out of the country. The man, identified as Adrián L.R., was arrested less than a month ago at Viru Viru airport.

He was found with four suitcases filled with gold, which authorities suspected were being illegally exported. At the time of his arrest, he faced charges including illicit enrichment, smuggling, and the illegal trade of minerals. A judge had initially ordered 150 days of pre-trial detention.

However, a recent ruling by the Third Criminal Chamber of the Departmental Court of Justice, signed by judge Ever Álvarez Orellana, overturned this decision. The court issued a release order on Friday, August 14, allowing Adrián L.R. to leave the Palmasola prison facility. He will now be able to defend himself while at liberty as investigations continue.