Bolivia accuses Evo Morales of 'leading a drug cartel'

The Bolivian government points the finger at former president Evo Morales, defined as the "head of a cartel" of drug trafficking operating in the Tropic of Cochabamba. According to what was reported by the Efe agency, the authorities claim that this position guaranteed them the funds necessary to fuel the demonstrations in May and June against President Rodrigo Paz. Interior Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo said the former head of state controls all drug production in the area. "Who ordered the blockades? Who sent the money from the Tropic? Not a fly moves there unless Evo Morales orders it," he said.

During the seven weeks of demonstrations, called by the unions to demand Paz's resignation due to the economic crisis, 16 people lost their lives. The police ascertained that approximately 1.15 million dollars were sent from the indigenous leader's political fiefdom to support the road barricades. Morales has not left his stronghold since October 2024 in order to evade an arrest warrant related to aggravated trafficking, arising from an alleged relationship with a minor. He currently manages to avoid prison thanks to his followers, who maintain a constant presence to protect him. The Prosecutor's Office is also investigating him on the hypothesis of terrorism and armed uprising.