# Bolivia-Chile timber dispute and diplomatic thaw > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bolivia-chile-timber-drug-trafficking-dispute > Updated: 2026-10-24T17:55:53.000Z. Sources: 75. Developments: 6. A diplomatic and legal dispute has emerged between Bolivia and Chile regarding the ‘Narcomaderas’ case. Chilean authorities seized dozens of containers of Bolivian timber at ports in Arica, San Antonio, and Valparaíso, alleging the wood contained traces of cocaine and ketamine. This led to the incineration of several containers in September. Defense lawyers for 15 Bolivian timber companies have petitioned the Arica Regional Prosecutor's Office to halt the destruction of remaining cargo, arguing that the scientific validity of the laboratory results is questionable and that drug impregnation in wood is “technically unfeasible.” While Chilean prosecutor Mario Carrera Guerrero maintains that the destruction follows legal protocols, Bolivian exporters are escalating their demands for intervention. Representatives from the National Chamber of Exporters of Bolivia (Caneb) and the Forestry Chamber of Bolivia (CFB) have requested an urgent meeting with President Rodrigo Paz, claiming economic damages exceed $50 million. The dispute occurs amid a widening trade imbalance; in 2025, Bolivia recorded a $653 million trade deficit with Chile. In a move toward diplomatic rapprochement, Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz and Chilean President José Antonio Kast met in La Paz on October 16, 2026. This marks the first official state visit by a Chilean president to Bolivia in over seven decades, following severed formal ties since 1978. As of October 24, 2026, the dispute has gained international attention. Former Bolivian President Jorge Tuto Quiroga has demanded an apology and financial compensation from President Kast, labeling the destruction of seized cargo as a “destruction of evidence.” European officials have also weighed in; Dutch MEP Alvaro Sebastian Kruis requested the European Commission address the matter with Chile, while Nils Olaf Petersen of the European timber trade federation suggested using international laboratories to verify the presence of illicit substances to protect honest companies. ## Claims - Bolivia recorded a trade deficit of $7,892 million with Chile between 2000 and August. (disputed) - Bolivia recorded a trade deficit of $653 million with Chile in 2025. (disputed) - Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz and Chilean President José Antonio Kast are meeting to discuss trade, energy, and security. (corroborated by 25 sources) - This is the first official state visit by a Chilean president to Bolivia in 71 years. (corroborated by 21 sources) - The bilateral agenda includes mining, energy, border security, and connectivity. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Chile and Bolivia have lacked formal ambassador-level diplomatic relations since 1978. (corroborated by 12 sources) - The leaders are expected to sign several memorandums of understanding during the visit. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Historical disputes regarding Pacific Ocean access should not hinder the development of both nations. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The leaders agreed to modernize the Economic Complementarity Agreement No. 22 (ACE-22). (corroborated by 7 sources) - Chile and Bolivia will seek the full normalization of their relations. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: Jorge Tuto Quiroga demands apologies from Chile over seized timber Former Bolivian President Jorge Tuto Quiroga is demanding apologies and compensation from Chile following the seizure and planned destruction of Bolivian timber suspected of containing drugs. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jorge-tuto-quiroga-demands-apologies-from-chile-over-seized-timber ### 2026-10-18: Chilean judge halts destruction of seized Bolivian timber A Chilean judge suspended the destruction of seized Bolivian timber and authorized new testing, following claims of drug contamination that exporters say have caused $50 million in damages. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivia-seeks-release-of-seized-timber-and-compensation-from-chile ### 2026-10-15: Chile and Bolivia sign historic agreements to normalize relations Chilean President José Antonio Kast and Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz signed historic agreements in La Paz covering trade, energy, mining, and security, marking the first Chilean state visit to Bolivia in 71$y 63 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivian-exporters-demand-intervention-over-timber-seizures-in-chile ### 2026-10-12: Bolivian forestry sector seeks aid for timber detained in Chile The Bolivian Chamber of Forestry is urging government intervention to protect 19 timber shipments detained in Chilean ports, following official claims that Bolivia is not a party to the Chilean investigation. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivian-forestry-sector-seeks-aid-for-timber-detained-in-chile ### 2026-09-28: Bolivian Timber seeks to increase value of national wood exports Bolivian Timber aims to boost the value of Bolivia's forest resources by connecting local producers to international markets through improved traceability and quality control. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivian-timber-seeks-to-increase-value-of-national-wood-exports ### 2026-09-21: Bolivian timber dispute escalates over drug allegations in Chile Bolivian timber companies are challenging Chile's seizure and destruction of wood shipments allegedly containing drugs, citing expert reports that question the technical feasibility of drug impregnation. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jorge-quiroga-demands-proof-from-chile-over-drug-impregnated-wood-allegations --- Cite as: Bolivia-Chile timber dispute and diplomatic thaw. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bolivia-chile-timber-drug-trafficking-dispute