Bolivia signs $20m deal with US to fight drug trafficking, foreign ministry says
Summary
Bolivia and the United States have signed a $20 million deal to work together against drug trafficking. The deal includes US support to train and equip Bolivian forces and marks improved relations between the two countries after nearly two decades of limited cooperation.Key Facts
- Bolivia signed a cooperation agreement with the US to fight drug smuggling.
- The US will provide up to $20 million to help train and equip Bolivian security forces.
- This is the first major drug-related deal since Bolivia expelled the US Drug Enforcement Administration 18 years ago.
- Bolivia is the world’s third-largest producer of coca, the plant used to make cocaine.
- Bolivia’s new president, Rodrigo Paz, recently joined the US-led security group called Shield of the Americas.
- The deal aims to strengthen Bolivia's public security, criminal investigations, and fight against organized crime.
- The US and regional allies support Paz amid protests aiming to destabilize his government.
- The US has also increased military strikes against drug smuggling vessels in surrounding waters since President Trump took office.
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