Bolivia arrests top prosecutor and 13 others accused by US of protecting drug traffickers

Bolivian authorities have apprehended the country's top prosecutor, Roger Mariaca, along with 13 others, who are accused of aiding drug traffickers, according to local reports. This arrest occurred just days after the United States imposed visa restrictions on Mariaca and several other senior officials due to corruption allegations.

The U.S. administration's move aims to combat narco-trafficking, systemic corruption, and transnational organized crime in Bolivia. President Rodrigo Paz has been strengthening security ties with Washington since taking office last November. Interior Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo stated that the arrests were aimed at dismantling a criminal organization deeply embedded in the justice system, with Mariaca facing charges of money laundering and drug trafficking.

The other detainees include two prosecutors also targeted by the U.S. visa sanctions, part of a larger list of over a dozen officials across South America. Authorities also found a substantial amount of cash, reportedly linked to extortion attempts against individuals seeking assistance from prosecutors.