Bolivia President Rodrigo Paz backs police and launches $80 million modernization plan
President Rodrigo Paz praised the Bolivian National Police for its work on the “maderas” investigation and the seizure of gold lingots, rejecting claims of defamation. In his bicentennial address he announced a modernization programme that includes legal reforms, new equipment, technology upgrades and the construction of a new General Command building funded with about Bs 80 million. The plan also features a US‑Bolivia cooperation agreement worth $20 million to strengthen police capabilities.
The government also opened a disciplinary process against two police sergeants after a video showed them greeting former president Evo Morales at a checkpoint, citing possible violations of police regulations. Parallel investigations continue into a recent gold‑smuggling case at Viru Viru airport, where 189.5 kg of gold were seized and a newly created company is being probed for involvement. Paz thanked Chile and Brazil for their cooperation in the investigations and vowed to pursue further reforms and infrastructure upgrades for the police force.