Romer Saucedo flees Bolivia following drug trafficking allegations

Romer Saucedo Supreme Court of Justice Bolivia Narcomaletas case drug trafficking

Romer Saucedo, president of Bolivia's Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), has declared himself in exile after fleeing the country. His departure follows an arrest warrant issued by the interim Attorney General, José Armando Urioste, for alleged involvement in drug trafficking and criminal association.

New testimonies in the “Narcomaletas” (drug suitcases) case have implicated Saucedo and former Attorney General Roger Mariaca. Former deputy Laura Rojas testified that the suitcases, which arrived from the United States in November 2025, belonged to Saucedo, known as “El Alemán.” Additionally, former judge Hebert Zeballos alleged that Mariaca provided protection for the luggage, which reportedly contained marijuana.

Saucedo claims his flight is due to political persecution by the government of President Rodrigo Paz, asserting that his life and the safety of his family are at risk. However, government officials, including Minister of Government Marco Antonio Oviedo, have linked Saucedo to Mariaca, noting they were close associates. Authorities are investigating Saucedo's exit route, as there is no official record of him passing through authorized border points.

In response to Saucedo's absence, the TSJ has appointed Rosmery Ruiz Martínez as temporary president. The court has granted Saucedo a six-day window to return to his duties before formal legal measures regarding the abandonment of his post are taken.

Entities

Bolivia · José Armando Urioste · Marco Antonio Oviedo · Marco Oviedo · Roger Mariaca · Rosmery Ruiz Martínez · Rómer Saucedo · Supreme Court of Justice · Supreme Tribunal of Justice · Tribunal Supremo de Justicia

Claims

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

[● 5 SOURCES] The government claims Saucedo was close friends with Roger Mariaca and lived with him in Sucre. yacuibanoticias.com · www.brasilparalelo.com.br
[● 25 SOURCES] Saucedo claims his life and freedom are at risk due to political persecution. diariosanrafael.com.ar · radiokollasuyo.bo · athina984.gr · www.newsbomb.gr · www.ertnews.gr · +14 more
[● 28 SOURCES] Romer Saucedo declared himself in exile with his family. diariosanrafael.com.ar · yacuibanoticias.com · radiokollasuyo.bo · athina984.gr · www.newsbomb.gr · +16 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Interim Attorney General José Armando Urioste stated there are at least three open investigations against Saucedo in Santa Cruz. imprensapublica.com.br · vozdabahia.com.br
[● 4 SOURCES] Political analyst Andrés Delgadillo suggested Saucedo may have fled to avoid appearing on US DEA lists. vozdabahia.com.br
[● 4 SOURCES] Rosmery Ruiz Martínez was designated as the temporary president of the TSJ. radiokollasuyo.bo · www.cabildeodigital.com · imprensapublica.com.br
[● 4 SOURCES] The judicial case against Saucedo has been declared under temporary reserve. icndiario.com · vozdabahia.com.br
[● 14 SOURCES] An arrest warrant was issued against Romer Saucedo for alleged drug trafficking and criminal association. www.protothema.gr · www.cnn.gr · icndiario.com · radiopaulina.cl · destinopanama.com.pa · +6 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The TSJ is investigating the use of high-end luxury vehicles allegedly linked to Saucedo. radiokollasuyo.bo
[● 2 SOURCES] Police conducted four raids and searches in Santa Cruz and San Ignacio de Velasco involving Saucedo's family members. monteronoticias.com · alertabolivia.net