Bolivia’s Top Cop: 25 Years for Fueling the Coke Trade

New York, NY – Maximiliano Davila Perez, the former director of Bolivia’s elite anti-narcotics force, is headed for a lengthy stay in a federal penitentiary. A New York jury found Perez guilty of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and illegally trafficking in firearms. Judge Denise L. Cote sentenced the disgraced official to 25 years behind bars today, a stunning fall from grace for a man once tasked with *stopping* the flow of drugs, not facilitating it.

Perez, 50s, headed the Fuerza Especial de Lucha Contra el Narcotráfico (FELCN), Bolivia’s primary drug enforcement agency, until his December 2024 extradition to the US. Court documents paint a damning picture: Perez didn’t just turn a blind eye to cocaine shipments; he actively protected them, leveraging his authority to ensure tons of the drug reached American streets. The investigation revealed a systematic pattern of corruption, with Perez allegedly accepting bribes from powerful drug cartels in exchange for safe passage and intelligence on rival operations. He essentially weaponized his position, turning the FELCN into a shield for the very criminals he was sworn to pursue.

The jury’s verdict, delivered on October 23, 2025, followed weeks of testimony detailing Perez’s double life. Witnesses, including cooperating traffickers, described how Perez provided security details for cocaine convoys, warned cartel members of impending raids, and even falsified reports to cover up their activities. The firearms trafficking component of the case is equally disturbing, suggesting Perez also helped arm these cartels, contributing to the escalating violence in both Bolivia and the US. Federal prosecutors meticulously built a case connecting Perez to specific cocaine shipments and illegal weapon purchases, dismantling his attempts to portray himself as a dedicated public servant.

“This wasn’t some low-level street dealer,” stated US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, following the sentencing. “Davila Perez had immense power, and he used it to enrich himself by facilitating the very drug trade he was supposed to be fighting. He tried to flood our streets with cocaine, and now he’ll pay the price.” Clayton’s office has become a focal point for prosecuting international drug trafficking rings, and this case underscores their commitment to targeting corruption at its source. The sentencing sends a clear message: no one, regardless of their position, is above the law.

DEA Administrator Terrance Cole was even more blunt in his assessment. “This guy wasn’t upholding the law; he *was* the crime,” Cole declared. “He turned his office into a criminal enterprise, fueling violence and addiction. The message is clear: no badge protects you from federal time when you’re on the wrong side of the law.” The DEA’s Special Operations Division spearheaded the investigation, a testament to the agency’s growing focus on rooting out corruption within foreign law enforcement agencies. This case is part of a larger strategy to disrupt the entire drug supply chain, from production to distribution.

The 25-year sentence reflects the severity of Perez’s crimes and the significant damage he inflicted. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the charges carried a potential penalty of 10 years to life in prison. The judge considered factors such as the volume of cocaine trafficked, the extent of Perez’s corruption, and his abuse of a position of trust when determining the sentence. While 25 years is a substantial punishment, it’s a stark reminder of the pervasive influence of drug money and the lengths to which corrupt officials will go to profit from it.

This case also shines a light on the ongoing challenges facing Bolivia’s fight against drug trafficking. Despite years of US assistance and law enforcement cooperation, the country remains a major coca-growing region and a transit point for cocaine destined for the US and Europe. Perez’s betrayal of the public trust further erodes confidence in Bolivian institutions and highlights the need for comprehensive reforms to address systemic corruption. The feds are likely to continue investigating potential co-conspirators within the FELCN and other Bolivian agencies.

The conviction and sentencing of Maximiliano Davila Perez are a significant victory for federal law enforcement, but the war on drugs is far from over. This case serves as a chilling example of how easily power can be corrupted and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed. It’s a reminder that the fight against drug trafficking requires not only strong law enforcement but also a commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice