Bolivia detains Prosecutor General Roger Mariaca amid narcotics investigation

Bolivia narcotrafficking corruption Prosecutor General Americas Shield

Bolivian authorities have detained Prosecutor General Roger Mariaca and 13 other officials, including Santa Cruz departmental prosecutor Alberto Zeballos, as part of an investigation into a criminal network allegedly protecting drug traffickers. The operation, prompted by testimony from Uruguayan drug trafficker Sebastián Marset, led to the seizure of approximately $303,270 in cash found hidden in an ambulance leaving Mariaca's residential complex.

The crackdown follows recent U.S. sanctions, including the cancellation of visas for Mariaca and several other high-ranking Bolivian officials accused of corruption and narcotics links. In response, the U.S. and 13 other nations within the 'Americas Shield' alliance issued a joint statement supporting Bolivia's efforts to combat organized crime and corruption.

While the government works to purge the Ministry of Public Prosecution of criminal influence, Luis Montaño Morales has assumed the role of Prosecutor General in an interim capacity. The investigation remains ongoing as officials face charges including organized crime, money laundering, and narcotics trafficking.

Entities

Alberto Zeballos · Americas Shield · Marco Antonio Oviedo · Ministry of Government of Bolivia · Ministry of Public Prosecution · Roger Mariaca · Sebastián Marset · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The U.S. and 13 other governments in the 'Americas Shield' issued a joint statement supporting Bolivia's fight against drug trafficking and corruption. asuntoscentrales.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Luis Montaño Morales has assumed the role of Prosecutor General in an interim capacity. digitalmisiones.com.py
[● 4 SOURCES] Bolivian authorities have detained Prosecutor General Roger Mariaca and 13 other officials for alleged involvement in a criminal organization protecting drug traffickers. dominicanaaldia.com · las24horasdejujuy.com.ar · digitalmisiones.com.py · noticiaslatam.lat
[○ 1 SOURCE] Police seized approximately $303,270 in cash hidden in an ambulance leaving the residence of the Prosecutor General. dominicanaaldia.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The investigation was triggered by information and testimony from Uruguayan drug trafficker Sebastián Marset. dominicanaaldia.com · noticiaslatam.lat
[● 2 SOURCES] The United States canceled the visas of Roger Mariaca and several other Bolivian officials due to alleged corruption and narcotics links. digitalmisiones.com.py · noticiaslatam.lat