Over 20,000 ha of illegal coca crops have been eradicated so far in 2018, Peruvian Interior Minister Mauro Medina informed.
Although the year will end in a little more than three months, he indicated, the goal of 25,000
ha gets closer every day due to the efforts currently being made in
coca-growing areas.
"We have been achieving the Government's goal so far. We are on the right path (…)," the minister expressed.
As part of the fight against drug-trafficking,
71 laboratories —specialized in cocaine hydrochloride and paste— have been destroyed as well.
Furthermore, 8,836 metric tons of chemical inputs —destined for drug production— have been confiscated and eradicated.
As a result, 76 criminal organizations dedicated to drug-trafficking have been dismantled, 2,576 people have been detained, and S/3 million (around US$904,000) in cash have been seized by law enforcement agents.
The official also highlighted the work done in the Valley of the Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM) to
fight this scourge.
These efforts are aimed at cutting the supply of economic and financial resources intended for terrorist remnants in that area of Peru.
(END) NDP/DTK/MVB