Bolivian farmers harvest coca plant legally

Bolivian farmers harvest coca plant legally
Bags of coca are displayed for sale outside the town of Coroico in Yungas, Bolivia. Getty/Spencer Platt
Bolivian farmers harvest coca plant legally
Bags of coca are displayed for sale outside the town of Coroico in Yungas, Bolivia. Getty/Spencer Platt

Bolivian farmers harvest coca plant legally

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Bolivian President Evo Morales says he’s committed to fighting cocaine production and trafficking in his country. He’s instituted a drug program called “Coca si, cocaine no.” That means it’s illegal to make cocaine. But farmers are allowed to grow the coca plant, the basis of cocaine, for traditional uses such as chewing or making tea. Reporter Ruxandra Guidi traveled to Bolivia to find out how the program is working.

This piece originally aired on the World Vision Report and was provided by the Public Radio Exchange.