Saucedo denies links to drug trafficking and asks Paz to halt "persecution" in Maletas case
The former head of Bolivia's Supreme Court of Justice, wanted in the Maletas case, published a social media message denying involvement in drug trafficking and calling on President Rodrigo Paz to intervene.
Former Bolivian magistrate wanted in case reappears on social media and denies narcotics links
Rómer Saucedo, former president of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) and a fugitive in the Maletas case, has reappeared publicly through his social media accounts to deny any involvement in drug trafficking and to demand that President Rodrigo Paz stop what he described as a "persecution" against him. El Deber reported on the message, which was published while Saucedo remains at large and has an active migration alert on record.
"President Rodrigo Paz, you can stop this persecution. You can stop this wave of abuse and lies," the former magistrate wrote in his statement.
Accusations against Government and denial of responsibility
In his message, Saucedo directly accused officials in the Executive branch, whom he alleged had fabricated legal cases against innocent people to cover up errors of the current administration. He asserted that he had never held authority over the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC), Air Navigation and Bolivian Airports (Naabol), Customs, or the Special Anti-Narcotics Force (Felcn).
"I never held authority over those institutions. I was never involved in drug trafficking," he stated.
The former judge acknowledged having maintained a friendship with another former judge—whom he identified only as a work colleague—but rejected the suggestion that this connection amounted to participation in illicit activities. "I do not deny that I was friends with a former judge, a work colleague, but I was never, never involved in drug trafficking," he declared.
Pressure on witnesses and direct appeal to the president
Saucedo also questioned statements by witnesses who, according to him, had been coerced into testifying. Without identifying the witnesses, he said he forgave those who testified against him.
"Those who have been forced to testify against me, I understand them and I forgive them. In their hearts they know my character and they know who I am," he posted.
The former magistrate argued that the Government was using people as "scapegoats" to avoid investigations which, in his view, compromised the president's administration. He implored Paz to intervene personally: "Only you can do it," he stated, and closed the message by appealing to his personal relationship with the leader and asserting that "the truth always comes to light".
The Maletas case: more than 30 pieces of luggage and marijuana found
Saucedo's statements come in the context of investigations into the Maletas case, which is examining the entry and transport of more than 30 pieces of luggage that arrived on a charter flight at Viru Viru airport in November 2025. Subsequently, marijuana and equipment for its processing were found at facilities belonging to the company Ebose.
The former president of the Departmental Court of Justice of Santa Cruz, Aldo Quezada, accused Saucedo of being the owner of the luggage and accepted a sentence of three years in prison for the offence of criminal organisation.
The assertions of the former magistrate constitute his version of events and do not of themselves undermine the ongoing investigations or legal proceedings.
Source: El Deber