BOLIVIA'S FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING MORE EFFECTIVE WITHOUT U.S SUPPORT http://www.namnewsnetwork.org/v2/read.php?id=169285

Bolivia's Government minister Sacha Llorente said the fight against drug trafficking has been more effective since the U.S Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) was expelled from the country in 2008.Llorenti told El pueblo es Noticia radio station that more drugs have been seized in a larger number of operations under President Evo Morales with the support of the 12-member Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). From 2006 to date, 137.6 tons of cocaine have been seized, while only 56 tons were seized from 2000 to 2005, he said.

In the last five years, more than 64,000 operations were carried out, compared to the 28,000 made in six years when the DEA was in the country, he added.The cooperation of such countries as Brazil and new agreements with Peru, Colombia, Argentina and other nations have been crucial to fight drug trafficking, Llorente said.Llorenti referred to the introduction of new technology for the Special Anti-Narcotics Forces, he added.