A United Nations convention classifies coca leaf as a narcotic and imposes a blanket prohibition on drugs. However, last fall the World Health Organization announced it would launch a scientific review of coca's non-narcotic benefits.
If it were anywhere else in South America , the nondescript house with buckets of coca leaves soaking in liquid could be mistaken for a clandestine cocaine.
The 50 most beautiful cafes on Earth telegraph.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from telegraph.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Stolen Amazon: The Roots of Environmental Crime in Bolivia insightcrime.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from insightcrime.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The road links the Amazon rainforest region of northern Bolivia, or Yungas, to its capital city, with eerie crosses marking many spots where vehicles have fallen.