Presidential Favourite Vows to Legalise Coca
The favourite in Bolivia's December presidential election, Evo Morales, has pledged to legalise the cultivation of coca leaves, the raw material for cocaine.
The favourite in Bolivia's December presidential election, Evo Morales, has pledged to legalise the cultivation of coca leaves, the raw material for cocaine.
This could lead to a clash with the US, which sponsors forced coca-eradication projects throughout South America. Bolivia is the world's third-biggest cocaine producer after Colombia and Peru.
Mr Morales began his political ascent as a leader of peasants, winning them the right to farm small amounts for local use.
Much of the highland's impoverished majority chews coca, a mild stimulant and appetite suppressant.
This could lead to a clash with the US, which sponsors forced coca-eradication projects throughout South America. Bolivia is the world's third-biggest cocaine producer after Colombia and Peru.
Mr Morales began his political ascent as a leader of peasants, winning them the right to farm small amounts for local use.
Much of the highland's impoverished majority chews coca, a mild stimulant and appetite suppressant.
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