Bolivia Increases Border Security Amid Crime Wave

President Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia announced on Thursday a new strategy to enhance security along the border with Brazil. This move aims to combat organized crime, which has seen a surge in the Andean nation amidst conflicts between Brazilian cartels over drug trafficking routes.

The initiative was launched from Guayaramerín, located in northern Bolivia, bordering Brazil. Bolivian police conducted ground patrols, and the Naval Force operated boats along the shared river. Similar operations took place in Beni, Pando, and Santa Cruz, which share a 3,400-kilometer border with Brazil.

Paz emphasized the impact of crime on tourism and investment, stating, “Who wants to visit as a tourist if there is a risk of insecurity? Who wants to invest in a city where there is no security?” His remarks came days after a shootout occurred in another border area, resulting in four arrests. Two detainees were members of the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), involved in a dispute over drug routes with the rival Comando Vermelho (CV). The United States regards both groups as terrorist organizations.

Experts attribute these drug routes to Uruguayan drug trafficker Sebastián Marset, apprehended in Bolivia and handed over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in March. Recent weeks have seen a rise in border crimes due to conflicts over these drug routes, leaving at least 15 dead, including a Bolivian police officer.

According to police commander Mirko Sokol, the plan aims to assert state presence. Bolivia ranks as the third-largest cocaine producer worldwide, following Colombia and Peru. The operation is coordinated with Brazil to prevent criminals from escaping across the border. Several Brazilian officials from the state of Rondonia attended the event.

Fábio Netinho, mayor of the Brazilian border city of Guajará-Mirim, expressed his commitment to a more secure and integrated border on social media. He looks forward to exploiting new opportunities.

Paz criticized previous administrations under Evo Morales (2006-2019) and Luis Arce (2020-2025) for relaxing border controls, which he claims allowed organized crime to flourish. Bolivia’s Minister of Government, Marco Antonio Oviedo, acknowledged the rise in crimes such as robberies and murders in the border region.