La Paz: Bolivia has resumed cooperation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration after a break of 17 years, marking a major shift in the country’s fight against drug trafficking and its diplomatic ties with Washington.
The agreement allows Bolivian authorities to work with the US agency in intelligence sharing, training and joint efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in cocaine production and trafficking. Officials say the renewed partnership will strengthen the country’s capacity to confront organized crime and transnational drug cartels.
Bolivia expelled the DEA in 2008 under former president Evo Morales, who accused the agency of political interference and violating national sovereignty. Since then, anti narcotics operations were handled solely by Bolivian security forces.
The decision to restore cooperation comes under President Rodrigo Paz, who took office in 2025 and has moved to rebuild relations with the United States. His administration has reopened diplomatic channels and sought international partnerships to address security and economic challenges.
Authorities say the country is facing growing threats from cross border criminal groups and rising cocaine trafficking routes. Bolivia remains one of the world’s largest producers of coca leaf, the raw material used to manufacture cocaine, making the fight against drug networks a national and regional priority.
Government officials stress that the renewed cooperation does not mean foreign control over domestic operations. They say Bolivia will maintain sovereignty while benefiting from technical support and intelligence exchange.
However, the move has stirred concern among coca farmers and some political groups, who fear the return of aggressive eradication campaigns and outside influence in internal affairs. Analysts note that balancing security cooperation with the protection of traditional coca cultivation will be a key challenge for the government.
The renewed partnership signals a broader shift in Bolivia’s foreign policy and could strengthen regional efforts to combat drug trafficking across South America.