Bolivia coca farmers battle for control as protests turn violent

FILE PHOTO: Demonstrators run from police officers during a protest by coca producers for control of the coca market, in La Paz, Bolivia September 27, 2021. REUTERS/Claudia Morales

LA PAZ (Reuters) - Bolivia's coca farmers are battling for control of the leaf's main market in the highland city of La Paz, a conflict which has seen producers and police clash in the streets with slingshots and tear gas, and even a building set on fire.

Coca growers from the nearby Yungas region are at odds over the leadership of the body that runs the huge market for coca, the raw ingredient for cocaine, but which many in the Andes chew to ward off the effects of high altitude or brew into teas.