Brazil seizes 50 tonnes of drug-impregnated timber from Bolivia
Brazilian authorities have confiscated a shipment of approximately 50 tonnes of drugs hidden in timber from Bolivia. The Bolivian government has highlighted international cooperation in the case.
Brazil seises 50 tonnes of drug-impregnated timber from Bolivia
Brazil's Federal Police and customs authority carried out a seizure on Sunday of approximately 50 tonnes of drugs impregnated in timber originating from Bolivia. The operation represents another action in the anti-narcotics struggle conducted in partnership between the two countries and with the participation of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Bolivia's presidential spokesman, José Luis Gálvez, stated in a press conference that the investigation resulted from joint effort between the Bolivian Police, the DEA, and the customs authorities of Bolivia and Brazil. He explained that, according to bilateral protocol, samples of the material were collected and are being analysed in laboratories of the three countries involved.
This case marks the second major shipment of controlled substances discovered within Bolivian timber in a short period. Several weeks ago, Chilean authorities found over 100 tonnes of drugs using the same trafficking method. Both the Bolivian Police and the Public Prosecution Service are investigating both episodes.
Gálvez took the opportunity to reinforce the Bolivian government's commitment to combating drug trafficking. He mentioned that over the last seven months, authorities have managed to capture seven important leaders of organised crime, including members of the Red Command, the First Capital Command (PCC) and Uruguayan trafficker Sebastián Marset. According to him, some of these criminals accumulated sentences of up to 126 years imprisonment and were living freely in the country.
The spokesman also criticised previous administrations, stating that drug trafficking was neglected for more than two decades. He highlighted that the current administration intends to maintain pressure against criminal organisations and contrasted the recent results with what he considers omissions of the past.
Source: eju.tv
Source: Google News BO — Crime