Summary
Bolivia has decided to allow the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) back into the country, restarting anti-drug efforts with the United States after nearly 18 years. Bolivian officials say this cooperation also includes European agencies and will focus on controlling borders and fighting drug networks. This move ends a policy from former President Evo Morales, who expelled the DEA in 2008.
Key Facts
- Bolivia is working with the U.S. DEA again to fight drug trafficking after almost two decades.
- Bolivian Minister of Government Marco Oviedo confirmed DEA agents are already operating in Bolivia.
- European intelligence and police agencies are also part of the cooperation.
- The focus is on tightening border security and breaking drug trafficking networks.
- The decision ends a 2008 order by former President Evo Morales, who accused the U.S. of using drug enforcement for political pressure.
- Morales's policies aimed to support coca cultivation, an important economic activity in rural Bolivia.
- The shift in policy comes after Bolivia's recent presidential run-off and a new right-wing government seeking better relations with the U.S.
