The extradition of Dávila, accused of facilitating cocaine smuggling, has sparked controversy and criticism from former President Evo Morales.
Bolivia Extradites Former Anti-Drug Chief Max Dávila to the US
Bolivia Extradites Former Anti-Drug Chief Max Dávila to the US
Maximiliano Dávila, Bolivia's ex-anti-drugs director, faces drug trafficking charges in the United States.
In a significant legal move, Bolivia has extradited its former anti-drugs chief, Maxmiliano "Macho" Dávila, to the United States, where he is set to face serious drug trafficking charges. This extradition comes after the Supreme Court of Bolivia approved the request in late November. Dávila, who served as the head of Bolivia's anti-narcotics agency before his imprisonment on corruption charges since February 2022, has vehemently denied any involvement in wrongdoing.
The 60-year-old was indicted by U.S. authorities earlier this year for allegations tying him to cocaine trafficking and related weapons charges. The U.S. Department of State claims that Dávila, during his tenure as director of the Bolivian Special Forces for the Fight Against Drug Trafficking (FELCN), misused his position to protect aircraft utilized for cocaine transport destined for the U.S. market.
Should he be convicted in the U.S., Dávila could face a minimum of ten years and potentially a life sentence in prison. The U.S. government previously offered up to $5 million as a reward for information leading to his prosecution.
The extradition has stirred political debate in Bolivia. Former President Evo Morales, who governed from 2006 until 2019 and clashed with U.S. officials, criticized the move, claiming it reflects Bolivia’s submissive relationship with the U.S. Morales contested that Bolivians should be judged in their home country, not in the U.S., for crimes committed there. He has faced his investigations for alleged legal offenses, which he vehemently denies.
In the past, Morales had expelled the U.S. ambassador and the Drug Enforcement Administration from Bolivia, accusing them of plotting against his government. Following Dávila's extradition, protests were reported as Morales' supporters demanded an end to investigations against him, while he highlighted a perceived assassination attempt against him, allegations the current Bolivian government denied.
The situation continues to evolve, capturing significant attention domestically and internationally as the implications of Dávila's case unfold.
