Coca leaves, the raw material for cocaine, have been part of the culture of the Colombian highlands for thousands of years. Some Colombians still chew or make tea from coca leaves as a remedy for the effects of high altitude, or even to prepare a mother before childbirth. But the rising demand for cocaine has changed a local way of life into a multi-million pound drug trade.

In groups, download the Word files that give clues of how Colombia's cocaine industry has grown. Share your information with the rest of your group to piece the picture together:

Now you have a better idea of how Colombia's cocaine trade has developed, use the information to write an article for a tabloid newspaper to inform people about the problem, and how it affects people in the UK.

© Jeremy Horner/Panos Pictures

So alarmed by the flow of drugs into the USA, the US government has pumped $2 billion into Colombia as part of an aid package called 'Plan Colombia' to fight the so-called 'war on drugs'. Most of the money goes to the Colombian army, training and arming troops. Click on the image to find out more.

Visit Trashed if you have any questions about illegal drug use, or how to get help and support.

Neighbouring Peru also has its coca industry. Visit Global Eye Autumn 2000 to find out more.