Bolivia police seize over 1.5 million bolivianos being moved in municipal ambulance

Police in Cochabamba intercepted an ambulance from Puerto Villarroel carrying more than one million bolivianos that had been withdrawn from a local bank. The detainee was arrested in a central plaza after the vehicle passed road blockades that have been in place for weeks.

The mayor of Puerto Villarroel, Limber Cossío, said the money – reported at 1,541,000 bolivianos – was intended to pay the salaries of about 600 municipal workers, including health staff and local officials. He claimed the funds were documented and requested that the Public Ministry release the cash to avoid delaying May salaries. The investigation by the Public Ministry and the FELCC continues to determine the source, destination, and legality of the transport amid ongoing regional protests.

The incident occurs against a backdrop of prolonged road blockades and mobilisations across the country, raising questions about the financing of those demonstrations.