started · updated
Santa Cruz security crisis triggers police reinforcements and international training
The department of Santa Cruz is facing a significant surge in criminal activity, with approximately 13,000 reports of serious crimes recorded over a six-month period. This equates to more than 70 incidents per day, accounting for roughly 40% of the country's total robberies and thefts.
In response, Colonel Edson Fernández, the departmental police commander, announced the deployment of over 100 specialized special forces officers to reinforce security operations in Santa Cruz and border zones. This move follows the recent detention of several alleged organized crime leaders, which authorities warn could trigger retaliatory actions from criminal structures.
To bolster investigative capabilities, the Ministry of Security is implementing international training programs. In collaboration with the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) office and Colombian police institutions, local forces are receiving training in combating narcotics, cybercrime, and financial money laundering. Additionally, the government is working to establish specialized units focused on organized crime and financial delitos.
Entities
Agustín Zambrana · Bolivia · Bolivian Police · Chihuahua · Comité pro Santa Cruz · Daniel Barrientos · Dirección de Seguridad Pública Municipal · Edson Fernández · René Chavira · Santa Cruz
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Ministry of Security is implementing training programs with the U.S. Embassy and Colombian institutions. vocesyapuntes.com · www.tiemposur.com.ar
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Santa Cruz recorded nearly 13,000 reports of serious crimes in six months. nuevapresencia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The government is deploying elite brigades as part of the Plan de Fronteras Seguras. www.prensa-latina.cu
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The department accounts for four out of every ten robberies and thefts in the country. nuevapresencia.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Specialized units are being created to address financial crimes, organized crime, and narcotics. vocesyapuntes.com · www.tiemposur.com.ar
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Criminal organizations in the region may have connections to structures in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. asuntoscentrales.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Comité pro Santa Cruz has demanded actions to stop the wave of crimes affecting the department. ahoradigital.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 100 specialized special forces officers will reinforce security operations. asuntoscentrales.com