LIMA, Dec 8 (NNN-ANDINA) — Peru eradicated more than 22,500 hectares of illegal coca crops this year, thanks to the work carried out by the Interior Ministry‘s Special Project for Control and Reduction of Illegal Crops in Alto Huallaga (Corah).
After concluding the eradication work corresponding to the year 2023, Corah issued a report in which it detailed that 22,599.56 hectares of illegal coca were eliminated, as were 11,025 plots and 171 square meters of seedbeds in the country.
The tasks carried out by Corah field operators, in coordination with the Peruvian National Police (PNP), included the operational axes of Santa Lucia, Putumayo, Mazamari, Calleria, Aguaytia, Caballococha, and Constitucion.
This included the following environmental and cultural impact zones: protected natural areas (250.34 ha), buffer zones (1,264.75 ha), native communities (4,643.80 ha), forest concessions (3024.91 ha), and permanent production forest (2,630.80 ha).
According to said report, the region that registered the highest number of eradicated coca crops was Ucayali (7,341.89 ha), followed by San Martin (4,257.30 ha), Huanuco (3,789.30 ha), Pasco (3,562.22 ha), Loreto (2,989.62 ha), and Junin (659.23 ha).
Furthermore, the document reflects that the most productive months, in terms of eradication, were October, July, and November, having recorded 3,450.80 ha, 3,032.47 ha, and 2,988.08 ha, respectively.
Corah also reported that a reduction of 9,224.96 hectares of plantations re-sown this year was registered, which accounts for 41% of the total eradicated area.
The intense interdiction efforts in drug production areas also made it possible to locate and destroy 10 clandestine rustic laboratories previously built for the production of cocaine drugs.
Thanks to this work sustained throughout the year, it was possible to avoid the potential production of 211.05 metric tons of cocaine hydrochloride.
The Corah Special Project —which relies on international financial support— carries out the reduction of illegal coca crops in accordance with the objectives and goals established in the National Anti-Drug Policy by 2030. Its actions are framed in the “Annual Plan for the Reduction of Illegal Coca-Growing Space with Social Responsibility in Peru.” — NNN-ANDINA
