The government of Bolivia confirmed that the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States (DEA) will establish permanent offices in La Paz as part of a new bilateral anti-drug cooperation agreement promoted by President Rodrigo Paz. This decision consolidates one of the most significant changes in Bolivian foreign policy and security since the end of Evo Morales' political cycle.
The Bolivian Minister of Government, Marco Antonio Oviedo, explained that the presence of the DEA will aim to strengthen intelligence tasks, training, and international cooperation against drug trafficking and money laundering networks. He stated that the offices will be located in La Paz and will work in coordination with Bolivian forces and international organizations.
The measure represents a historic shift from the policy promoted by Evo Morales, who expelled the DEA from Bolivia in 2008, accusing the U.S. agency of espionage and political interference. For years, the MAS dictatorship turned the expulsion into one of its main symbols of sovereignty against Washington.
However, the government of Rodrigo Paz maintains that the advance of drug trafficking and organized crime necessitates rebuilding international alliances. Bolivia is currently one of the main producers of cocaine in South America and a key transit point to European and North American markets.
