In Peru, Colombia and Bolivia, the leaves of the Erythroxylon coca plant have traditionally been chewed as a mild stimulant and for a variety of medicinal purposes. As such, they are sold quite legally in street markets. Since coca is also the raw material for cocaine, peasant farmers in remote areas grow it to sell to the illegal drugs trade. Cartels in Cali and Medellín control most of the processing, shipment and distribution of cocaine and retain most of the profits. The cocaine industry brings few benefits to the vast majority of Latin Americans and the power struggle between the drug barons and government is responsible for widespread violence.
