U.S. Embassy Donates 18 Vehicles Valued at $450,000 to Bolivian Counternarcotics Programs

Expressing a firm commitment to continuing assistance to Bolivia, the U.S. Embassy, through its Narcotics Affairs Section (NAS), delivered today 18 pick-up trucks valued at $450,000 in support of Bolivia’s counter narcotics program. Ambassador Philip Goldberg reiterated that this donation is a sign that U.S. support to Bolivia remains unchanged.

Of the 18 vehicles delivered today in Cochabamba, five will go to the Special Coca Leave Control Group (GECC), three to the Special Counternarcotics Force (FELCN), one to the “Garras del Valor” International Counternarcotics Center (CEIAGAVA), one to the Special Operations Research Center (GIOE), two to the Chemical Research Group (GISUD), two to the Rural Patrolling Mobile Unit (UMOPAR), two to the Drug Detection Canine Training Center, and two to counternarcotics logistical support programs.

These pick-up trucks are part of a lot of 90 vehicles valued at over $2,000,000 that the U.S. Embassy is donating to Bolivian counternarcotics institutions. Between last December and now 40 vehicles were donated in La Paz and 20 in Santa Cruz.

The NAS-funded support goes far beyond donating vehicles. It also includes providing maintenance to hundreds of vehicles used in counternarcotics and buying spare parts and accessories for damaged vehicles.

During the past fiscal year, from October 2006 to September 2007, the U.S. Embassy’s Narcotics Affairs Section disbursed $1,800,000 only to purchase fuel for all the vehicles used by Bolivian counternarcotics organizations working in urban and rural areas. In the past 20 years, the NAS has donated over 1,400 vehicles to Bolivian Government programs.