Key Takeaways:
– Maximiliano Dávila, the ex anti-narcotics chief of Bolivia, has been extradited to the US to face federal drug trafficking charges.
– He is accused of using his position to facilitate cocaine shipments to the United States.
– Dávila was reportedly provided protection for said drug loads with Bolivian law enforcement under his command.
– Dávila was charged with providing protection services for cocaine shipments and related weapons charges.
– The investigation against Dávila began in 2017 by the DEA’s Special Operations Division.
Extradition and Facing Drug Trafficking Charges
Maximiliano Dávila, former anti-narcotics chief of Bolivia, was extradited to the United States on Thursday. The extradition was to face federal charges on drug trafficking in a New York court. Dávila served as anti-narcotics chief during the last months of Evo Morales’ administration from 2006 to 2019. Dávila, also known as “Macho,” boarded a private jet from the U.S specifically for his extradition.
Misuse of Power Accusations
Authorities believe that Dávila abused his role to facilitate significant cocaine shipments to the U.S. This contraband was allegedly carried in bulk by planes. According to the U.S. Justice Department, Dávila manipulated his power to secure access to Bolivian airfields. He used these airfields for the transport of cocaine and arranged for members of Bolivian law enforcement under his command to provide protection. These law enforcement officers were reportedly equipped with machine guns, ensuring an extra layer of safety for the drug loads.
Reward Announcement and Charges
The news of the $5 million reward from the U.S. State Department for information leading to Dávila’s conviction was announced on Feb. 2, 2022. His charges include conspiring to provide elite level protection for the cocaine shipments to the United States. He also faces related weapons charges due to the possession of machine guns. Dávila allegedly used his position to safeguard planes used for cocaine transport to other countries.
Extradition Approval and Denial of Wrongdoings
In late November, Bolivia’s Supreme Court authorized Dávila’s immediate extradition to the U.S. Dávila has continuously defended himself and denied any wrongdoings. The Supreme Court’s decision came after a strained period between the U.S. and Bolivia since Evo Morales accused the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of conspiracy in 2008.
Investigation Established By DEA
The DEA’s Special Operations Division initiated the drug investigation resulting in Dávila’s charges back in 2017. Criminal informants recorded conversations as part of their intel gathering. An accomplice of Dávila was heard boasting about an MD-11 military cargo plane’s access to move 60 tons of cocaine into the U.S.
Previous Cases and Bolivia’s Drug Production Status
Bolivia is recognized as the world’s third-largest producer of cocaine. DEA has arrested many Bolivian drug traffickers in the past, including one of Dávila’s predecessors. However, Evo Morales, a renowned coca grower, and the former head of Bolivia’s national police have never been implicated in drug trafficking. Morales has strongly criticized the U.S.-led drug war in Latin America and advocated for coca’s traditional uses – the core ingredient of cocaine. Despite the controversy, the relationship between Dávila and Morales remains unclear.