Former Bolivian anti-drugs director Maximiliano Dávila has been extradited to the United States to face serious drug trafficking and weapons charges, following an indictment that unveils his alleged misuse of power during his tenure. The move has sparked criticism from former President Evo Morales, who claims it undermines Bolivia's sovereignty.
Bolivia Extradites Ex-Anti-Drug Chief to Face Drug Charges in the US
Bolivia Extradites Ex-Anti-Drug Chief to Face Drug Charges in the US
Maximiliano Dávila's extradition has reignited tensions between Bolivia and the US, as allegations of complicity in drug trafficking come to light.
Bolivia has extradited former anti-drugs chief Maximiliano Dávila to the United States, where he faces serious charges related to drug trafficking. Known as "Macho," Dávila is accused of facilitating the smuggling of cocaine to the U.S. during his leadership in Bolivia's anti-narcotics agency. The extradition, executed on Thursday, received the green light from Bolivia's Supreme Court in late November.
Dávila, who has been imprisoned in Bolivia on corruption charges since February 2022, denies any wrongdoing. His extradition comes as U.S. officials unveiled an indictment against the 60-year-old, outlining cocaine trafficking activities and a related weapons charge. The U.S. Department of State alleges that Dávila used his position to protect aircraft used for transporting cocaine to other countries, which was intended for distribution in the U.S.
If convicted, he could face a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment. In 2022, the State Department placed a $5 million reward for information leading to his conviction. Dávila served as the head of the Bolivian Special Forces for the Fight Against Drug Trafficking (FELCN) during the presidency of Evo Morales, who held office from 2006 to 2019.
In the wake of Dávila's extradition, Morales criticized the action, stating, "Bolivia is once again a US Colony," in a post on his X account. He alleged that Bolivians are being turned over to the U.S. without a fair trial in their homeland, infringing on international agreements. Morales himself has faced legal issues, including investigations for alleged statutory rape and human trafficking, which he denies.
Recently, Morales' supporters instigated nationwide protests demanding an end to the investigations against him. The political climate in Bolivia remains charged, particularly after reports of an assassination attempt on Morales, an event the current government has denied involvement in, further heightening the tension between his faction and the ruling authorities.
