Bolivia Amazon town faces Brazilian gang violence

Bolivia's Amazon border town of Guayaramerin is facing fear over Brazilian organised crime groups that have moved across the Mamore river to compete for cocaine supply routes, while President Rodrigo Paz promises more police and intelligence sharing with Brazil.

The Mamore river forms a natural border between Bolivia and Brazil, linking Guayaramerin with the Brazilian city of Guajara-Mirim. AFP reported that a dozen murders on the Bolivian side of the border have recently been linked to Brazil's Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho groups.

The violence reported in and around Guayaramerin includes the massacre of a family, the discovery of decapitated bodies and the killing of a police officer. Retired bricklayer Donald Somoza told AFP he witnessed the recent killing of a Brazilian man in Guayaramerin's main square, where the man was shot more than 80 times.

Official data show Bolivia recorded 774 homicides between January and September 2025, up from 325 in the same period of the previous year. Residents also reported more armed robberies, kidnappings and other crimes.

Paz, who took office in November 2025, announced on a recent visit to Guayaramerin that more police would be sent to the border and that intelligence sharing with Brazil would be increased. His administration says 17 international crime bosses have been captured since he took office, including Uruguayan drug trafficker Sebastian Marset and PCC commander Gerson Palermo.

Paz also announced plans to build a bridge across the river at Guayaramerin as part of a road corridor from Brazil toward Peru's Pacific coast. Some residents said the bridge could help trade but also make it easier for criminals to cross. Guayaramerin police chief Johnny Rivas said violence would increase and require more police personnel.