Arce Orders to Militarize Bolivia's Border to Combat the Smuggling of Subsidized Food

The government of President Luis Arce ordered the measure to contain the smuggling of these products, produced with state support and then sold illegally at higher prices in neighbouring countries.

In the face of growing fuel shortages, rising commodity prices and social pressure from speculation, President Luis Arce announced Friday night a series of urgent measures, including the reinforcement of militarization at the borders with an additional 1,400 troops, to curb food smuggling and protect the domestic market.

One of the last cases, he said, is the confiscation of 15 head of cattle that were transported through the Hito 22 area, on the border with Peru.