The U.S. Embassy in Bolivia has announced the temporary closure of its Consular Agency located in Santa Cruz, the only one in the country. This closure, effective from March 16 to at least March 20, comes as a precautionary measure after the capture of the alleged Uruguayan drug trafficker Sebastián Marset and the arrest of at least eight individuals linked to his organization. The decision reflects heightened security concerns in the area following significant drug-related events.

In its security alert, the U.S. diplomatic mission recommends American citizens in Santa Cruz exercise increased caution. It urges them to stay informed through local media, be aware of their surroundings, and maintain a low profile to ensure their safety. The closure of the consular agency highlights the local authorities' ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime in Bolivia, which has implications for both local safety and international diplomatic relations.

The police operation that led to Marset's arrest took place in the early morning hours in a neighborhood of Santa Cruz. Initial intervention targeted a house where Marset's security team, consisting of four individuals, was located. The closure of the consular agency not only disrupts U.S. services in the region but also emphasizes the precarious situation surrounding drug trafficking in Bolivia, impacting the local community and international consular operations.