Peru denies Bolivian claim that 50% of cocaine originates in Peru

General Raul Salazar, on behalf of the police in Peru, agreed to an interview to discuss cocaine production in the country. While he admits cocaine production does occur in Peru, he states the same occurs in Bolivia, and that cocaine in Bolivia does not necessarily originate in Peru. Officials had discovered a cocaine route from Peru to Bolivia, but they say there is no way to back up the Bolivian claim that 50% of cocaine comes from Peru, La Razón reports. Deputy Minister of Social Defense Felipe Caceres said that Peru and Bolivia maintain a partnership to combat all types of crime, not just those limited to drug trafficking. General Salazar adds that forces in both countries must be well-coordinated in order to protect border security. In addition to drug trafficking, human smuggling and vehicle theft are common crimes along the Peru-Bolivia border. Read Article