Bolivians demand the right to chew coca leaves

Bolivia wins special exemption from global drugs convention despite international opposition
The Guardian (UK)
Sunday, January 13, 2013

coca-celebrationA major international row with wide-ranging implications for global drugs policy has erupted over the right of Bolivia's indigenous Indian tribes to chew coca leaves, the principal ingredient in cocaine. The UN's International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), which monitors implementation of the global drug treaties, has accused Bolivia of threatening the integrity of the international drug control regime. A number of countries – including the UK, the US, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands and Russia – opposed Bolivia's demands.