Bolivia Demands Diplomatic Rectifications After Wood Shipments Cleared of Cocaine

Bolivian authorities announced that official forensic examinations in Brazil and Chile have confirmed that 260 tonnes of Bolivian timber seized in June contained no cocaine or other controlled substances. The tests, carried out by Brazil’s Federal Police and Chilean officials, disproved earlier allegations that the wood shipments were drug‑laden.

Minister of Planning and Environment Fernando Romero said the false accusations severely harmed the credibility of Bolivia’s forest sector, a key export industry, and called for formal explanations and apologies from the governments of Chile and Brazil. Romero warned that the government and the Bolivian Forest Chamber will consider legal action and compensation for the logistical, commercial and reputational damage caused by the prolonged detention of the cargo.