Bolivia: Government expands anti-smuggling operations

Event

During a legislative session on the night of April 3, the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill that will allow the Armed Forces (FFAA) and the police to coordinate efforts to improve border security. Under the new law, the FFAA is allowed to deploy forces within 50 km (31 mi) of the border and soldiers will be allowed to use their weapons against smugglers; it also increases penalties for smuggling. On April 4, the Minister of Defense, Javier Zavaleta, announced that the military will also improve communication and monitoring systems between border checkpoints to assist in identifying and stopping contraband from being brought into the country. Increased security measures along the border are expected in the coming weeks.

Context

President Evo Morales called for the new measures after two Customs Control Unit (UCA) soldiers were killed by gunmen on the outskirts of the town of Sabaya (Oruro department), near the Chilean-Bolivian border, on March 11. Military officials claim that smuggling groups hired the killers to assassinate the UCA soldiers in retaliation for operations against the groups.

Advice

Individuals in Bolivia are advised to remain vigilant when traveling along the border, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities, and report any suspicious activity or behavior.