Bolivia Destroys 21.6 Tons of Cocaine Following Record Seizure

Bolivia announced on Tuesday the incineration of 21.6 tons of cocaine, the result of “the largest drug seizure” in the country’s history, which occurred on October 15 when authorities intercepted a shipment initially thought to contain soy mixed with narcotics.

Interior Minister Eduardo Del Castillo shared the news on his Facebook page, stating, “We inform all of Bolivia and the international community about the incineration today of 21.6 tons of seized cocaine.” He expressed pride in this achievement, noting that it represents “the largest seizure in Bolivia’s history and one of the most significant drug confiscations in the region in recent years during a single operation.”

The drugs were destroyed near Oruro, a city in western Bolivia. On October 15, authorities had seized what they believed was a shipment of soy laced with drugs in the Oruro department. However, subsequent tests confirmed that the cargo contained only cocaine, according to an official source who spoke on condition of anonymity. This source also mentioned that the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) had “certified” the test results.

This record seizure significantly surpasses another operation conducted in January, which involved 8.7 tons of cocaine.