Minors Used as Drug Mules in Bolivia: Alarming Rise in Child Exploitation

Drug Trafficking: Minors Used as Drug Mules in Bolivia Santa Cruz, Bolivia – In a disturbing incident on May 29, 2025, Bolivian authorities apprehended four individuals, three of whom were minors, for drug trafficking. The group was intercepted near the border with Brazil, having ingested a total of 361 capsules filled with narcotics. This alarming event underscores the growing problem of drug cartels exploiting vulnerable youth. According to police reports, the individuals, recruited in Cochabamba, were promised 4,000 Bolivianos for transporting the drugs. One police officer, Amilcar Ramirez, Director of FELCN, stated, "The minors were showing signs of distress, which led to their confession." The report also includes testimony from a local resident expressing concern over the lack of security checks at the bimodal terminal in Santa Cruz, where the individuals boarded a minibus. "Nobody checks anyone leaving from the terminal," the resident said, highlighting a critical security gap that is being exploited by drug traffickers. The authorities have yet to announce concrete measures to improve security at the terminal. However, this case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced vigilance and stricter controls to protect vulnerable young people from exploitation by criminal organizations.