Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-jl) -- Yesterday's declarations made by Peruvian President Alan Garcia to 'bomb' and 'gun down' all illicit coca plants cultivations and maceration wells has evoked a wide spectrum of reactions from officials throughout the Andean nation.

Peruvian congresswoman and coca farmer representative Elsa Malpartida surprised some of her supporters by publicly stating she was in favor of the harsh stance taken by the Peruvian leader.

"I believe the fight that President Garcia has waged against drug traffickers, including ordering the bombing and eradication of maceration wells, is perfect," declared Malpartida.

However, Malpartida clarified her stance by emphasizing that cultivations that are eradicated should be thoroughly identified as benefiting the illegal drug trade.

"At the same time, the government should begin parallel efforts that will 'support' the coca farmers so that they can easily distinguish between legitimate and illicit cultivations," affirmed Malpartida.

Malpartida continued by adding that factories which produce chemicals needed to elaborate cocaine should also be 'bombed.' According to the Peruvian legislator, not only do the chemicals cause harm to those who consume them in the form of cocaine, they also harm the jungle ecosystem since their remnants remain in jungle creeks, rivers, and lakes causing environmental hazards.

The coca farmer representative also indicated that drug traffickers in 'suits and ties' should also be targeted and apprehended.

"The government always goes after the weakest and humblest targets. This time however we are well organized and we will defend ourselves," sustained Malpartida.