Bolivia signs $20m US deal to fight drug trafficking
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Bolivia's foreign ministry announced a $20 million agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. The deal marks a reversal of the country's previous policy of distancing from Washington under former President Evo Morales.
The Agreement
Bolivia's foreign ministry said the deal includes training, equipment, and intelligence sharing to target drug cartels. The $20 million package will be implemented over two years, focusing on the Chapare region, a coca-growing stronghold. The ministry emphasized that the accord respects Bolivia's sovereignty and its traditional coca cultivation practices.
Policy Shift
The agreement signals a major shift under President Luis Arce, who took office in 2020. His predecessor, Evo Morales, expelled the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in 2008 and cut anti-narcotics cooperation. Arce's government has sought to rebuild ties with Washington while maintaining Bolivia's stance on coca legalization.
What's Next
The first joint operations under the deal are expected to begin in July 2026. It remains unclear whether the U.S. Congress will approve additional funding beyond the initial $20 million.
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Bolivia signs $20m US deal to fight drug trafficking
