Sebastián Marset captured in Bolivia amid cocaine trafficking investigation

Authorities in Bolivia captured Uruguayan national Sebastián Marset in Santa Cruz de la Sierra on March 13, 2026. Records indicate that Bolivian security forces alerted the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regarding Marset’s location 48 hours prior to the operation, following intelligence that placed him in the city.

During interrogations with DEA agents, Marset reportedly claimed that at the time of his arrest, he had approximately 10 tons of cocaine invested in Bolivia. While this statement is part of U.S. prosecutorial arguments to demonstrate his ongoing involvement in international trafficking, it does not confirm that the drugs were seized. Additionally, investigators recovered three digital wallets containing roughly $3.9 million in cryptocurrency from seized electronic devices, which Marset linked to his cocaine trafficking profits.

The arrest took place at a mansion near the Piraí Avenue. While defense lawyers have questioned the legality of the tracking and alleged violence during the arrest, U.S. prosecutors have defended the procedure. Marset has been transferred to Virginia, where he faces charges including conspiracy to launder money and cocaine trafficking.