Internationalt

The Potent Powder and ‘Narco-Subs’ Driving Cocaine’s Global Surge

Colombia grows more coca, drug labs process more powder and improved smuggling vessels traverse oceans, alarming antidrug officials worldwide.

A worker harvesting coca leaves last week in the province of Cauca, Colombia. Carlos Villalon for WSJ

MICAY CANYON, Colombia: One potent tributary in the surging cocaine pipeline begins in the mountains of Cauca province, where nearly every plot of arable land sprouts coca leaves.

On Cesar Rosero’s 10-acre spread, coca bushes in neat rows grow as tall as 6 feet. “We’re totally thankful for this plant,” the farmer said, as he walked through a field, sweeping his hand gently along bright-green leaves.