Peru: Drug Traffickers Increase Activity in Pichis-Palcazu Valley

From La Republica on June 26, 2013- More than 700 troops have moved into the jungles of Huanuco and Pasco to ensure the eradication of 6000 hectares of coca and to destroy clandestine airstrips that facilitate the shipment of drugs to Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. According to locals, the drug traffickers contract native villagers to build these airstrips for $60 a day, usually employing about 20 people for four days. In addition the traffickers give up to $30,000 to each village that collaborates to effectively purchase their silence to the authorities. The increase of drug activity in the Pichis-Palcazu Valley is largely due to increased anti-narcotics efforts in the Valley of the Rivers Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro (Vraem), which has been a traditional hotspot for drug activity.  Read Article