Bolivian timber dispute escalates over drug allegations in Chile

A legal and diplomatic dispute is escalating between Bolivia and Chile regarding the “Narcomaderas” case, involving the seizure of dozens of containers of Bolivian timber in Chilean ports including Arica, San Antonio, and Valparaíso. Chilean authorities allege the wood contains traces of cocaine and ketamine, leading to the incineration of several containers in September.

Defense lawyers for 15 Bolivian timber companies have requested that the Arica Regional Prosecutor's Office suspend the destruction of the remaining cargo. They argue that the shipments should be preserved while investigations continue, citing doubts regarding the scientific validity of the laboratory results. The defense has presented reports from former DEA agents suggesting that the methodology used to detect the substances is flawed and that the technical possibility of impregnating wood with drugs is highly questionable.

Former Bolivian President Jorge Quiroga has intensified the controversy by citing a technical report from a U.S. expert which claims that drug impregnation in wood is technically unfeasible. The Bolivian government has expressed concern over the significant economic damage to its forestry sector and has indicated it will seek reparations if the allegations are proven false. Meanwhile, Chilean prosecutor Mario Carrera Guerrero maintains that the destruction follows established legal protocols and that the findings from the Institute of Public Health are valid.