Comments on: Cocaine: A Story That Begins in the Bolivian Jungle

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:24:27 +0000

@mrbill: I’m not certain if the effect of chewing coca during high-altitude hikes was real or placebo for us, but it certainly didn’t hurt. And I remember the coca leaf t-shirts – decent in Peru, positively stylish in Bolivia.

By: mrbill

mrbill — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:19:47 +0000

I found the Coca leaf to be of great benefit when hiking around 12000 ft near Huaraz, Peru. I bought a T-Shirt that says, “La Hoja de Coca es no Droga”, the coca leaf is not a drug, a statement against erradication.

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:23:48 +0000

Thank you to everyone who commented. We realize this was a heavy piece. But after running into all these experiences, we had to properly process it all.
@Ash, T-roy, Deals: Thank you!
@Jeremy and Eva: Your Mexico-US border drug story reminds me of the film Traffic. I remember the border at National City – Tijuana. Crossed it over 25 years ago. Am looking forward to going back and exploring some more.
@Dave and Deb: Organizations like CIDRE have a way of shedding light on complex subjects (like locals choosing to grow coca) in a way that mainstream media cannot. We believe talking to them makes a difference in the discourse, however small.
@Lindsey: We too thought of Colombia when we thought of cocaine. Apparently, they don’t have a monopoly, at least on the production of the raw materials. However, the Colombian cartels are probably in the lead with regards to processing technology and distribution.

Note: It’s common to confuse (because of the spelling) coca and cocoa. For readers still confused: coca is the green leaf used in cocaine production, whereas cocoa is the ingredient for chocolate.

By: Lindsey

Lindsey — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:11:34 +0000

Wow! What an interesting story. When I think of cocaine, I think of Colombia – not Bolivia! I don’t know why cocaine would be locked within a few borders though. It’s sad that so many drugs are being produced in South America, but it seems to fuel the economy in a large way. Quite a few people will go against their own beliefs if money is talking to them.

By: Dave and Deb

Dave and Deb — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:07:49 +0000

Wow, thanks for bringing serious issues to our attention. Your blog always gives great insight to the local culture. CIDRE sounds like and excellent organization. I agree, it can be a tough sell to make people change from growing cocaine to cocoa when all they are worrying about it putting food on the table. Good for microfinance organizations trying to make a difference.

By: Abby

Abby — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:22:54 +0000

thanks for sharing your thoughts.
your story really shows the other side.
the part of life that shows struggle for a living..
thanks..
hope you can share a lot more stories like this..

By: T-roy

T-roy — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:55:56 +0000

The last paragraph you wrote sums it up in such a complex yet simple way. GREAT post and very well written!

By: Jeremy and Eva Rees

Jeremy and Eva Rees — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:39:07 +0000

What an incredible post. So many subjects we’ve only touched on in passing — much appreciated.

In our experience, coca leaves were a major part of culture in Peru. We were thankful for them ourselves, at high altitude. The difference between coca leaf production and cocaine production was blatant, starting with the farmers selling bags of leaves in the marketplace.

Mexico was another story. California, our home, shares a very troubled border which sees constant problems with drug smuggling. We spent a month driving much further south around the Peninsula, but the evidence of Mexico’s war with drugs was present nonetheless. Internal race-issues were humbling at the 5+ army checkpoints we passed everyday. We were sent through with a wave, while many locals (skin color played a large part, shockingly) were lined up and patted down on the asphalt. I hope no one discovers the prospect of moving drugs in the cars of smiling blond co-eds is all I’ll say about that.

By: Ash

Ash — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:46:16 +0000

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this story – this is some REAL insight into the realities of the world, and exactly why I follow your blog.

Thank you for writing this! Keep up the fantastic work.