DEA Warns of Intelligence Gap in Bolivian Drug War

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has sounded the alarm over a lack of effective intelligence gathering and sharing in Bolivia, allowing transnational organized crime (TOC) to thrive in the country.

The Problem

• Porous borders: Bolivia’s porous borders make it an attractive hub for drug traffickers.
• Lack of migratory controls: Weak migratory controls allow criminals to easily enter and exit the country.
• Weak banking system: Bolivia’s weak banking system makes it difficult to track illegal activities, such as money laundering.

The Consequences

• Informal economy: Bolivia’s economic activity is largely informal, making it challenging for authorities to track illegal activities.
• Lack of transparency: The lack of transparency in the informal economy makes it easy for criminals to operate undetected.
• Difficulty disrupting TOC operations: The Bolivian government’s failure to collect and share intelligence has created a culture of informality and illegality, making it difficult for law enforcement to disrupt TOC operations.

The DEA’s Concerns

• “Bolivia is a major concern for us,” said a DEA official. “The country’s porous borders and lack of migratory controls make it an ideal location for drug traffickers to operate.”
• “We need to see more cooperation from the Bolivian government to disrupt TOC operations.”

The Bolivian Government’s Response

• Acknowledging issues: The Bolivian government has acknowledged some of these issues, including the need for better anti-money laundering controls and more effective intelligence gathering.
• Lack of progress: However, the DEA remains concerned about the lack of progress on these fronts.

International Cooperation

• EU support: The European Union has announced plans to provide support to the Bolivian government in its efforts to combat drug trafficking.
• Funding and training: The EU will be providing funding and training to help build the capacity of Bolivian law enforcement agencies.

Conclusion

The DEA’s warning comes as the international community continues to grapple with the threat posed by TOC. The agency says that it is working closely with its international partners to disrupt TOC operations and bring criminals to justice. It urges the Bolivian government to take concrete steps to address these issues and not allow TOC to continue operating with impunity in Bolivia.