News|DrugsBolivia revives anti-drug alliance after nearly 18-year break with USBolivian President Rodrigo Paz, a centrist, has moved to restore diplomatic ties with the US and cooperate with the DEA.
On Mon, Oct 2, 2023, Bolivia announced the reinstatement of collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), after a hiatus of nearly two decades.
On Mon, Oct 2, 2023, Bolivia announced the reinstatement of collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), after a hiatus of nearly two decades.
Bolivian Minister of Government Marco Oviedo confirmed that DEA agents are currently operating in Bolivia. The collaborative efforts will initially focus on enhancing border surveillance and dismantling drug trafficking networks. Oviedo also noted the involvement of European intelligence and police agencies and expressed a desire to engage neighboring countries' anti-narcotics agencies.
This development marks a reversal of a 2008 order under former President Evo Morales, which expelled DEA agents from Bolivia. Morales accused the US of using drug enforcement as a means to exert political pressure in Latin America. During his administration, cooperation with the US in drug enforcement was halted, and diplomatic relations were suspended.
In Bolivia, coca cultivation is a significant economic activity, particularly in rural areas. Morales, prior to his presidency, was a leader among coca growers. The Movement for Socialism (MAS), the party he led, remained in power until 2025.
Bolivian Minister of Government Marco Oviedo confirmed that DEA agents are currently operating in Bolivia.
In October 2025, Bolivia experienced a political shift as two right-wing candidates advanced to a presidential run-off. Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party eventually won, with a campaign focused on improving US relations to address Bolivia’s economic crisis. His administration has restored diplomatic ties and facilitated this new cooperation with the DEA.
In addition to normalizing relations with the US, Paz's presidency has been viewed as a transformative opportunity for the region, with both countries agreeing to appoint ambassadors for the first time in nearly 18 years.
Negotiations are ongoing to define the scope of DEA operations in Bolivia. The agreement will address specific areas of cooperation and operational limits. Despite these developments, left-wing factions maintain significant influence in certain regions, and there is some uncertainty about the extent of DEA activities.
The US, under President Trump, has intensified efforts against drug trafficking in Latin America, designating major cartels as "foreign terrorist organizations" and pressuring governments to take aggressive actions. Recent military actions have targeted drug trafficking operations, raising concerns about human rights and legal processes.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.