Bolivian coca ranchers walk on the capital, consume questioned market

 Coca growers protest against a parallel coca market, in La Paz

Bolivian coca ranchers walk in the capital, consume questioned market

Coca growers protest against a parallel coca market, in La Paz

LA PAZ (Reuters) - Thousands of coca ranchers walked into the Bolivian capital of La Paz on Thursday and set burning what they asserted was an unlawful new market for the leaf.

The producers, who walked five days from the Yungas locale north of La Paz, got through police lines and went after with explosives, fireworks, and Molotov mixed drinks. Nobody was truly harmed.

 

Coca growers clash during a protest against a parallel coca market, in La Paz

The market was laid out in October 2021 notwithstanding two existing discount coca markets contracted under Bolivian regulation in La Paz and Cochabamba. In those business sectors, coca amounts and purchasers are managed.

The nation's politicized coca area has been in conflict over which market in La Paz is legitimate.

Agustin Mamani, one of the walk's chiefs, said the marchers numbered more than 10,000. No authority swarm gauges were accessible.

Coca growers protest against a parallel coca market, in La Paz

Esar Apaza, the native head of a gathering requesting the conclusion of the new coca market, faulted the public authority of President Luis Arce for permitting it to open.
"The public authority and its priests are answerable for this," Apaza said.

The coca leaf has for quite some time been filled in the Andes for its healthful and restorative advantages, while additionally being the natural substance for cocaine.
The coca cultivators said they wouldn't get back to their districts until the public authority settle the contention.