Reuters AlertNet Lite - Colombian Navy captures six tonnes of cocaine

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Colombian Navy captures six tonnes of cocaine

21 Mar 2007 23:10:29 GMT
Source: Reuters

BOGOTA, March 21 (Reuters) - Colombia's Navy captured six tonnes of cocaine while on patrol in the Pacific ocean in the Andean country's largest illegal drug haul so far this year, authorities said on Wednesday.

Colombia remains the world's top producer of cocaine despite receiving billions of dollars in U.S. military and counter-narcotics aid to fight left-wing rebels and the illegal drug trade.

"A little more than six tonnes of cocaine was captured, with a price of around $150 million," said Adm. Orlando Malaver, commander of the naval forces on the Pacific coast. He gave no further details.

Colombia produces more than 600 tonnes of cocaine each year with most of it shipped through Mexico and Central America to the United States and also to European markets.

Washington has pumped more than $4 billion into Colombia since 2000 in an effort to stem the flow of cocaine, combat insurgents and reduce the cultivation of coca leaf used to manufacture the illicit white drug.

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Last updated:Wed Mar 21 23:11:18 2007