DEA quietly resumes anti-drug coordination with Bolivia almost 20 years since its expulsion - AP News
AP News
February 13, 2026
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The DEA has quietly resumed anti-drug cooperation with Bolivia nearly two decades after being expelled in 2008. This move aims to strengthen collaboration on combating drug trafficking, particularly targeting cocaine production and trafficking networks.
The expulsion occurred during former President Evo Morales' tenure, driven by Bolivian dissatisfaction with U.S.-led eradication efforts that they felt disproportionately targeted small farmers. Relations soured further due to the 2008 arrest of a DEA agent accused of espionage, leading to the suspension of all cooperation and the expulsion of DEA personnel.
Currently, the DEA is working closely with Bolivian authorities on investigative efforts and training programs. This renewed collaboration focuses on disrupting drug trafficking routes and enhancing law enforcement capabilities. The U.S. government emphasizes that this partnership aligns with Bolivia's anti-drug policies and commitment to regional security.
This resumption of ties highlights the complexities of international drug policy and the importance of diplomacy in addressing transnational crime. It also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by both nations in curbing cocaine production and trafficking, while demonstrating a shift in U.S.-Bolivia relations following years of tension. This development could pave the way for more effective joint efforts to combat drug-related issues in the region.
The significance lies in its potential to reduce drug flows from South America to global markets, including the United States. Effective collaboration could also strengthen regional security initiatives and set a precedent for future cooperation between the two nations, despite historical tensions.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/13/2026