The Peruvian Interior Ministry's Special Project for Control and Reduction of Illegal Crops in Alto Huallaga (CORAH) has eradicated 15,106.4 hectares (ha) of coca plantations so far this year, the institution reported Monday.
Eradication took place through
anti-drug operations in 23 coca-growing localities nestled in inland Ucayali and Huanuco regions' rainforest provinces.
In Tingo Maria (Huanuco region), the stings eradicated 5,079.17 coca hectares, including 8,772 m2 of seedlings that were meant to expand coca fields.
Coca crops eradicated in Ucayali and Aguaytia reached 5,047.17 ha and 4,980.06 ha, respectively.
In addition, CORAH agents razed 86 hidden drug labs, whereas the Peruvian National Police Anti-Drug Unit destroyed other 19 major labs.
CORAH
eradicated 12,980 ha of illegal coca crops in Huanuco and Ucayali regions as at August 2017.
As is known, the Peruvian Government surpassed the coca-leaf-eradication goal set for 2016 by reaching 30,150.53 ha, thereby preventing the production of 225 metric tons of cocaine.
It also aims to reduce coca-growing area by half from 50,000 to 25,000 ha by 2021.
(END) NDP/MAO/MVB
Published: 9/5/2017