Pubdate: Wed, 14 Feb 2001
Source: Salt Lake Tribune (UT)
Copyright: 2001 The Salt Lake Tribune
Contact:  143 S Main, Salt Lake City UT 84111
Fax: (801)257-8950
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Author: Andrew Selsky, Associated Press

COLOMBIA BOOKING SUCCESS IN ANTI-COCAINE OFFENSIVE

LA ESPERANZA, COLOMBIA   Buoyed by unexpected success in fumigating coca 
crops, a U.S.-financed offensive is targeting clandestine jungle labs in 
search-and-destroy missions in the heart of the world's main 
cocaine-producing region.

Colombian army troops, trained by Green Berets and guided by spy-plane and 
satellite technology, have encountered only light skirmishes with leftist 
rebels and rival right-wing paramilitary gunmen who earn millions of 
dollars from "taxing" the cocaine industry in southern Colombia.

U.S. officials say it is too early to declare victory, but the Colombian 
operations commander says rebel vows to combat the offensive have proved empty.

"We had expected tough fights when we went into these places. We thought 
they would shoot down our helicopters and planes. But the engagements have 
been routine," Colombian army Gen. Mario Montoya told reporters Monday at 
Tres Esquinas army base, where U.S.-intelligence experts interpret 
satellite imagery for mission planning.

Montoya then flew into the war zone to direct the demolition of a lab that 
produced millions of dollars worth of cocaine. After showing journalists 
the lab -- hidden in a stand of jungle growth and containing packages of 
purified cocaine, processing chemicals, microwave ovens and an electrical 
generator -- Montoya's men placed explosive charges inside it and retreated 
into the middle of a coca field.

"One, two, three!" Montoya called out. At three, a soldier pressed a 
detonator, triggering a deafening explosion that enveloped the drug lab in 
a fireball. It sent a column of black smoke into the air, where helicopter 
gunships circled overhead like raptors seeking their prey

Rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, had overseen 
the operation, which was capable of refining 2,200 pounds of cocaine per 
week, according to Montoya.
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