Post date: May 07, 2011 4:50:57 PM
Bolivian authorities discover a cocaine laboratory with a production capacity of 600 kilos (1, 320 pounds ) per week.
CAMIRI, BOLIVIA (MAY 6, 2011) RED PAT - During a routine sweep of the mountainous forest in northern Bolivia authorities discovered Friday (May 6) a cocaine laboratory with the capacity of producing 600 kilos (1,320 pounds) of cocaine per week.
Barrels of cocaine in various stages of production were found in the large, organized laboratory which was well equipped and stocked with chemicals for the job at hand.
In Bolivia, the world's third largest cocaine producer, coca is also used for medicinal and cultural purposes in Bolivia where many locals chew the coca leaf to help in high altitudes and say it is part of their heritage.
Earlier this year a bilateral agreement was signed with Brazil to cooperate in fighting drug trafficking after Washington charged Bolivia with not doing enough to fight drug traffickers.
Bolivia says it is making good on eradication goals though the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) reported that the coca plant coverage and potential harvest the past few years has been at some of the highest points seen since 1998.