Coca Politics in Bolivia: Coca farmers protest against new markets

August 1, 2022:


1. Police on motorcycles pursuing protesters

2. Police opening up space on the blocked road

3. Police amid teargas

4. Protesters throwing tear gas back at police

5. Tear gas falling in front of police group

6. Police firing rubber bullets

8. Various of tear gas and sounds of tear gas shots

9. SOUNDBITE (spanish) Freddy Machicado, ADEPCOCA (Departmental Association of Coca Growers) President:

"We have pointed out that there is a law passed by the MAS (Movimiento al Socialismo party) government recognizing that there are only two markets in the country. But now, at the whim and patience of the authorities, a third or fourth market is being opened, which we have asked to be closed immediately because it affects our economy."

10. Various of coca growers marching and waving Bolivian flags

11. Demonstrators showing their machetes

12. Coca farmers burning tires to block road

STORYLINE:

Clashes between the police and the Departmental Association of Coca Producers (Adepcoca) took place in La Paz on Monday. 

Coca growers demand the closure of what they say are new illegal coca markets.

"At the whim and patience of the authorities, a third or fourth market is being opened, which we have asked to be closed immediately because it affects our economy," said The Departmental Association of Coca Growers ADEPCOCA President Freddy Machicado.

ADEPCOCA administers the main coca market in the capital.

In recent years, the organization has been opposed to the former president and leader of the ruling MAS party Evo Morales, who heads another coca growers' union in the Chapare locality in the central region of Cochabamba.

The coca leaf trade is legal in Bolivia and takes place in markets specifically designated by law and managed by the coca growers' unions. 

This sale generates profits for the leaders and is at the root of the conflict, according to the leaders themselves.

In Bolivia, the constitution classifies coca as a "sacred leaf" because of the Andean cultural heritage and traditional uses such as chewing and natural medicine, which are widely practiced in the country. 

However, much of coca leaf production is diverted to cocaine, of which Bolivia is the world's third-largest producer after Colombia and Peru.

Coca from the Chapare region is mostly used for cocaine production because it tastes like chicken shit. (🐥!)

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