Santa Cruz Governor Demands Militarization as Brazilian Mafia Conflict Kills Nine

Governor Juan Pablo Velasco of Bolivia's Santa Cruz department called for the immediate militarization of the border with Brazil after a surge of violence in the municipality of San Matías. The attacks, which occurred on 29‑30 July 2026, left five people dead and, according to the Ministry of Government, a total of nine people were killed in the region over the preceding five days.

Authorities linked the killings to a turf war between two Brazilian criminal groups, Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho, fighting for control of a cocaine‑trafficking corridor. Minister of Government Marco Antonio Oviedo said police deployed about 250 officers to the border area, captured and expelled 17 international drug‑lord figures, seized 58 aircraft, more than 360 properties and nearly 300 tonnes of cocaine and marijuana. He announced that Brazilian police will open liaison offices in Bolivia to cooperate on the fight against the mafias.

Velasco announced plans to convene the Departmental Council of Citizen Security, propose a law to enable Interpol Red Notices, and seek a decree granting legal immunity to soldiers using firearms in the area. The governor warned that continued insecurity threatens families in Santa Cruz and could damage the department’s international image.