“Monitoring has been ongoing since the last administration, especially through intelligence work. As a result, we identified approximately 17 family clans engaged in import and reverse smuggling, especially of live cattle (…),” Velásquez stated.
The official reported that smugglers also transport other basic necessities such as sugar and oil. He also expressed that the investigation data will be forwarded to the Financial Investigation Unit (UIF) for the analysis of suspicious economic flows. He also noted that Article 181 of the Tax Code classifies aggravated export as a crime, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Velásquez mentioned that three Peruvian nationals are being held in preventive detention at the San Pedro prison, while a Bolivian citizen is under house arrest. Five other citizens are being investigated for reverse smuggling (toward neighboring countries), specifically pork trafficking, and all cases are under investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Velásquez warned about the growing use of border communities as strategic points for this type of illicit activity. “In areas like Santa Rosa de Taraco, some communities in that sector are very committed to smuggling, and that’s where they try to smuggle live cattle and pork, using the lake,” the colonel stated. He added that, in contrast, there are communities that collaborate with the Armed Forces in destroying illegal crossings and identifying routes for this crime.
The official explained that the fight against smuggling is being carried out based on Law 1053, which empowers the Armed Forces and the Strategic Operational Command (CEO) to act with the use of weapons when the situation warrants it, under the parameters established in current regulations. “When there are attempts to recover seized merchandise, personnel have the authority to proceed with its destruction or incineration, as a deterrent and protective measure,” he clarified.
Last Friday, President Luis Arce announced the implementation of 11 measures and seven decrees aimed at curbing smuggling and guaranteeing the supply of fuel and food. One of the provisions includes the militarization of strategic border points.
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