Bolivia’s Prosecutor’s Office opened a third criminal proceeding on Tuesday against former presidential adviser Fernando Cerimedo, this time on charges of alleged trafficking of controlled substances and concealment of drug trafficking, according to a press conference held by Prosecutor Alexander Mendoza.
Cerimedo, an Argentine political consultant, is already under investigation for alleged illicit enrichment and attempted femicide against his former partner, Nadia Beller, who was shot three times last Monday. Beller has accused Cerimedo and his associates of using the installation of GPS devices in light aircraft as a pretext to control air operations and allow planes carrying controlled substances to fly over Bolivia. “His excuse was that he was clearing the light aircraft to install radar on them and then ground them. He never admitted to me that he received money through corruption, but rather claimed it was a cover to install radar, ground the planes, and thus get rid of the drug traffickers,” Beller said.
Mendoza, the departmental prosecutor for Beni, stated that the latest case centers on alleged protection provided in the municipality of Santa Ana, where small aircraft linked to drug trafficking were reportedly shielded. The investigation will summon not only Cerimedo and private individuals but also airport authorities and officials tasked with combating drug trafficking. “If this is true and can be proven with compelling evidence, it would demonstrate that both public officials and civilians are providing cover for drug trafficking and irregular flights,” Mendoza said.
Cerimedo’s clients have included Argentine President Javier Milei and Honduran leader Nasry Asfura. He is currently being held in pretrial detention. The alleged complicity in drug trafficking is said to have taken place in the department of Beni, an Amazonian region bordering Brazil, with Santa Ana identified as the main location for the release of light aircraft loaded with controlled substances .
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