Cocaine lab discovered in UNESCO World Heritage Site on Brazil-Bolivia border

It was discovered on February 28th inside the Noel Kempff Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site covering 4 million acres of land, in an area located about 1.8km from the Brazilian border.

The lab was capable of producing 2,000kg of cocaine per week and is “one of the largest structures used for the refining of cocaine ever dismantled in the region” according to Brazil’s Federal Police.

Inside, officers also found a sophisticated satellite internet system, radio communicators, fuel deposit, several networks in a dormitory, a television, a refrigerator, a stove, and a cafeteria.

Two airstrips were also discovered next to the site.

During the raid, authorities arrested four men - a Colombian, two Bolivians, and a Brazilian – and seized 160 packages of cocaine weighing approximately 167kg, as well as some weapons.

Authorities believe that the laboratory refined cocaine base paste that had been taken into the park by plane where it was turned into powder.

It is believed that the drugs were then packaged, transported across the Guaporé River to Brazil and loaded onto boats or trucks in Comodoro.

Police had been investigating the presence of a laboratory in the area since 2020 and said that they will “continue to identify the individuals involved in the refining or transport of the narcotic substance in Brazil.”

“Our commitment in the fight against drug trafficking is not only focused on the kidnapping of controlled substances, but also on the destruction of logistics and infrastructure used to commit this type of crime,” Brazilian police added.