Bolivia's Armed Forces authorised to combat drug trafficking
The Cosdep approved four proposals that will allow the Bolivian Army to participate in the anti-narcotics struggle. The measure does not replace the Police.
Bolivia authorises the Army to intervene in the fight against organised crime
The Supreme Defence Council of the Plurinational State (Cosdep) of Bolivia approved four regulatory proposals designed to strengthen national security, according to infodefensa.com. The most significant one enables Bolivian Armed Forces to participate in the fight against drug trafficking and other transnational organised crime threats.
Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano Urenda explained that the objective is to make use of military capabilities in border control, surveillance of airspace and waterways, and support against threats that exceed the conventional response capacity of security forces.
Justiniano stressed that the initiative does not involve permanent military intervention nor does it aim to replace the powers of the Bolivian Police. The planned participation is, in his words, "exceptional, temporary, complementary and controlled", with clearly defined responsibilities and in strict compliance with the Constitution, current laws and fundamental rights.
The four proposals approved by the Cosdep will need to complete their technical review and processing by the competent authorities before their eventual final approval and entry into force.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the need to strengthen international cooperation within the framework of the Shield of the Americas coalition, through the exchange of intelligence information, specialised training and the coordination of capabilities to combat transnational organised crime.
Source: Google News BO — Crime