(18 Apr 1998) Spanish/Nat

Peruvian authorities have burned more than six-thousand kilogrammes of drugs in their first drug-burning operation this year.

The drugs, including marijuana, cocaine and opium, had an estimated value of 174 (m) million dollars.

The government claims that with the success of its anti-drug operation, Peru is no longer the number one producer of coca leaves.

It was the first massive drug-burning of the year in Peru.

Plastic bags full of marijuana, cocaine, opium and other drugs represent what the Peruvian government claim is its success in the war against drugs.

These bags contain more than six-thousand kilogrammes of drugs, confiscated in the latest drug raids throughout the country.

Thanks to these anti-drugs operations, Peru claims it is no longer the world's number one producer of coca leaf.

Interior Minister General Javier Villanueva said the government had been praised abroad for its efforts.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"Peru is being congratulated and acknowledged throughout the world for its great job in seizing drugs. Thanks to the success of operations being carried out by the national police and its national drugs division."
SUPER CAPTION: General Jose Villanueva, Peruvian Interior Minister

The drugs were burned in a large container on the outskirts of the capital, Lima.

The Peruvian government says that so far this year, coca plantations have been reduced by 18 per cent.

The government aims to get rid of four-thousand-140 hectares of coca leaf plantation by the end of the year.

So far, authorities say two-thousand-211 hectares have been levelled - already half of the government's goal.

During the first three months of this year, the national police says it has carried out more than two-thousand anti-drug operations, in which some four-thousand people have been arrested.

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