Exploring Bolivia's Unique And Surprising Illegal Activities

Bolivia has a complex legal system that has been influenced by various factors, including cultural, religious, and political environments. While the country has made efforts to address issues such as drug trafficking and corruption, there are still some unusual laws and practices in place. For example, it is illegal to sell or distribute non-alcoholic drinks in glass containers, and there are restrictions on driving days based on license plate numbers. Additionally, Bolivia is the world's third-largest producer of cocaine, and the government has imposed harsh penalties for drug-related offences. The country also has a history of human rights violations, with reports of torture, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on freedom of expression.

Drug possession and trafficking

In recent decades, the Bolivian government has made efforts to eradicate coca cultivation and control the production of cocaine. This has included signing agreements with the United States and implementing eradication programmes. However, these efforts have had limited success, and Bolivia continues to be a major producer of cocaine.

The penalties for drug possession and trafficking in Bolivia are harsh. For those caught trafficking or in possession, the minimum sentence is eight years, and prison conditions are very basic. It is important for visitors to Bolivia to be cautious and avoid any contact with illegal drugs, as the government has imposed strict penalties for drug-related offences.

The country's cocaine industry has had a detrimental impact on the economy, contributing to inflation and distorting the labour market. The industry has also led to an increase in drug abuse among Bolivian youth and has been associated with violence and corruption.

To combat the negative effects of the drug trade, the Bolivian government has negotiated with the United States and implemented plans such as "Plan Dignidad" to counter drug trafficking, production, and consumption. These efforts aim to reduce the country's reliance on the drug trade and improve social and economic conditions.

Ayahuasca ceremonies

Ayahuasca is a South American psychoactive beverage, traditionally used by Indigenous cultures and folk healers in the Amazon and Orinoco basins for spiritual ceremonies, divination, and healing. It is made by the prolonged decoction of the stems of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria Viridis shrub.

In Bolivia, ayahuasca ceremonies are often held at retreat centres in the Amazonian rainforest. These retreats are typically led by shamans or curanderos, who have extensive knowledge of traditional plant medicines. The ceremonies are intended to facilitate healing and spiritual expansion.

One such retreat centre is Pisatahua Ecolodge, located in the Aquicuana Reserve in Northern Bolivia. The centre offers small-group retreats with activities like ayahuasca ceremonies, guided nature hikes, canoe rides, meditation, and yoga classes. Another centre, Casa de Pawua, is a hospital and medicinal plant healing centre in the Bolivian rainforest. Casa de Pawua takes a traditional Amazonian approach to healing illnesses of the body and mind, using various medicinal plants.

It is important to approach ayahuasca ceremonies with caution and respect. The substance can cause nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, seizures, and psychosis in those predisposed to the condition. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure the safety and authenticity of the ceremony, as there have been reports of pseudo-shamans taking advantage of the rise in ayahuasca tourism.

Homosexuality

In recent years, Bolivia has made significant progress on LGBTQ+ rights. The Bolivian Constitution bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the country has passed a comprehensive gender identity law, considered one of the most progressive in the world. Since 2023, same-sex civil unions have been recognised in Bolivia, and same-sex couples can now enter into "free unions" with the same conditions and requirements as heterosexual couples. Single people, regardless of their sexual orientation, may adopt children, and same-sex couples in a free union are also permitted to adopt.

Despite these advances, reports of discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ people in Bolivia are not uncommon. In 2017, the Bolivian Ombudsman reported 64 murders of LGBTQ+ people, with only 14 cases investigated and no sentences handed down. A 2013 Pew Research Center opinion survey showed that 43% of Bolivians believed homosexuality should be accepted by society, while 49% believed it should not. Younger people tended to be more accepting, with 53% of 18-29-year-olds in favour.

Voting in elections

Bolivia has a multi-party system, with numerous parties. The country elects a head of state – the president – and a vice-president, as well as a legislature, at a national level. The president and vice-president are directly elected by the people, by majority, for a five-year term. A candidate must receive at least 40% of the vote, with a minimum margin of 10% more than the second-place candidate, to be elected. If no candidate achieves this, a second round is held with the top two finishers to determine the winner.

The legislature is bicameral, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Chamber of Senators. The Chamber of Deputies has 130 members, elected for a five-year term, 63 of whom are elected in single-member districts using first-past-the-post voting. The remaining 67 are elected using closed list party-list proportional representation in districts of varying sizes corresponding to Bolivia's nine departments.

The Chamber of Senators has 36 members: four senators from each of the nine departments, elected using closed party lists and the D'Hondt method.

Both chambers have strict gender quotas, with men and women alternating on party lists. There are also seven seats reserved for indigenous peoples, elected by usos y costumbres (indigenous customary practices).

Voting in Bolivia is compulsory, with severe sanctions for those who do not participate. Citizens must provide proof of their voting certificate to carry out procedures in state entities or public banks for up to three months after elections. Bolivia has a very high voter turnout of almost 90%.

Drone usage

Drone Laws in Bolivia:

Bolivia has introduced laws regulating drone usage, with a focus on registration and safe operation. Here are the critical points to know:

• All drones weighing more than 250 grams must be registered. This can be done through an online form, and there is a fee of 50 bolivianos for drones weighing 6 kilograms or more.
• The minimum age for registration is 18 years.
• A registration number will be issued, and it must be displayed visibly on the drone.
• Recreational and commercial drone use is permitted, but registration or approval is required.
• Drone insurance is not mandatory.
• Drone labels must be ordered and displayed on the drone.
• Keep a distance of at least 50 meters from congested areas, pedestrian areas, buildings, and private and public housing.
• Maintain a safety distance of 6 kilometers from airports and 2 kilometers from heliports.
• Do not fly closer than 9 kilometers to forest fires.
• Do not fly near military and police bases, prisons, the government palace, and the residences of the president and vice president.
• Only fly during daylight hours and in good weather conditions with no fog, rain, snow, or ice.
• The drone must always be kept within visual line of sight.
• Drones must not be operated from moving vehicles, except in sparsely populated areas.
• Pilots can only operate one drone at a time, with a maximum speed of 70 km/h.
• Drone operators must be 18 or older and not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
• Minors operating drones must be supervised by an adult.

Additional Considerations:

While not explicitly prohibited by law, there are some additional considerations for safe and responsible drone usage in Bolivia:

• Be cautious when bringing a drone through customs. Some countries with no drone-specific laws may have customs officials who choose to confiscate drones.
• Respect the privacy of others and avoid flying over large crowds or private property.
• Avoid flying near sensitive areas, such as government or military facilities, without prior approval.
• Stay informed about any updates to drone laws and regulations by checking the website of Bolivia's Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics: [email protected].

Frequently asked questions