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Evo Says Narco-Traffickers Are Better-Equipped Than Police

Posted: Nate on Jul 28 | International, Law & Justice

In a speech yesterday commemorating the inauguration of César Guedes, new representative of the United Nations Office against Drugs and Crime in Bolivia, Bolivian president Evo Morales said for the first time that Bolivia´s police and armed forces are outmatched in their fight against narco-traffickers.  The president acknowledged that narco-traffickers possess more advanced technology, more sophisticated equipment, and the resources to invest in intelligence.  President Morales emphasized that through their combined advantages in Bolivia´s struggle against drug trafficking, narco-traffickers have the power to infiltrate police forces and “corrupt officials working in the fight against drugs.”  Yesterday´s comments marked the first time the president has made this admission since the Bolivian government expelled the United States´ Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) from the country in November, 2008.

Since Morales assumed the presidency in 2006, land area devoted to coca production in Bolivia has increased between 25,400 to 30,900 hectares.  Coca production has also grown in regions which traditionally have not been large producers of coca such as Caranavi and La Asunta.  According to estimates from the U.S. State Department, Bolivia will have the capacity to produce 195 tons of cocaine this year.

In his comments President Morales said that considering the scope of the technical and financial limitations hindering the Bolivian anti-drug effort, the international community should step up to help address the problem.  The president also accused the United States of sabotaging anti-narcotics efforts in order to gain “permanent political, social, and economic control of our countries.”  Morales said the U.S. bears a large responsibility for the current global climate surrounding narco-trafficking and accused the superpower of using narco-trafficking and terrorism to “meet political and geopolitical aims.”  Addressing the role of international bodies in controlling drug-trafficking Morales said, “Bolivia is not alone.  The issue of the fight against narco-trafficking is an umbrella under which we all find ourselves.  This is a shared responsibility though the producer countries most often find themselves victimized in this situation.”

In response to Morales´ attacks, chargé d´affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia John Creamer, emphasized that narcotics are a shared problem between the two countries.  Creamer also mentioned the United States´ $40 million commitment to alternative development in Bolivia, the largest contribution to the country from a foreign government.

For more in Spanish see:

http://www.laprensa.com.bo/noticias/28-7-2010/noticias/28-07-2010_1620.php

http://www.la-razon.com/version.php?ArticleId=18224&a=1&EditionId=621

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