In February, Spanish authorities found just over 1,000 poundsds of cocaine on a commercial flight at Madrid–Barajas airport. Flight Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), operated by Spanish airline Wamos Air, arrived in Spain from Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. During the investigation, it was discovered that members of Bolivia’s state-owned airline and other government agencies had colluded with drug traffickers. This week, the Bolivian government admitted that drug trafficking has infiltrated the state apparatus.
Spanish newspaper El Pais report There were many attempts to obstruct the police investigation after drugs were discovered in the Madrid. A request for surveillance photos from when the plane was loaded on board led to the discovery that the photos had been deleted. Finally, images were found showing two BoA freight officers breaking police seals on a shipping container and adding 12 boxes full of cocaine.
Illegal collusion has caused widespread criticism of Bolivian President Luis Arce, including from predecessors Evo Morales and Carlos Mesa. The government’s response is just as comprehensive. Cargo handlers, shipping company owners, airport security police have been arrested, with President Arce announcing that more arrests will follow. A BoA official and a Viru Viru Airport official have also been suspended.
Investigators have many questions about how deep the international drug trade has penetrated into law enforcement agencies and Bolivia’s state-owned airline. It is unlikely that the February flight was the only one between Bolivia and Spain carrying cocaine.
