Bolivian veterinarian shot 12 times; police suspect Brazilian hitmen linked to drug cartels

A veterinarian in San Ignacio de Velasco, Bolivia, was fatally shot 12 times in what police are preliminarily describing as a targeted attack. The victim, identified by local media as Luis Denar Parada Saavedra, was reportedly cleaning his poultry business when two individuals on a motorcycle opened fire and fled the scene.

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The external examination by the doctors of this medical center has established that (the murdered veterinarian) would have 12 impacts of firearm projectile. The situation will be confirmed or discarded in the medico-legal autopsy.

David Gómez, the departmental commander of Santa Cruz police, stated that the preliminary medical examination indicated 12 projectile impacts. The final confirmation will come from the official autopsy. The victim was a well-known veterinarian in the area and also managed a poultry business, which is where the attack occurred.

Police are investigating the possibility that the murder is connected to a conflict between two drug trafficking organizations, the First Capital Command (PCC) and Comando Vermelho, which are active in the municipality. The assailants are believed to be Brazilian nationals, further suggesting a link to cross-border criminal activities.

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They dismount the motorcycle, approach the store, observe the subject who was inside, and immediately open fire against the person's body. Subsequently, they leave the place.

Authorities have mobilized specialized units to identify and apprehend the suspects. Operations were planned for the night of August 2 and throughout August 3 to clarify the circumstances surrounding the assassination. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by organized crime in the region.

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There is a power struggle, a struggle of interests between two factions dedicated fundamentally to what is drug trafficking: what is the First Capital Command (PCC) and Comando Vermelho.