Bolivian Soldiers Destroy Coca Crop

Using tear gas to keep angry farmers at bay, about 250 Bolivian soldiers destroyed 15 acres of illegal coca plants Wednesday in a national park.

It marked the first time the authorities have used force to destroy the cocaine-producing plants.

The United States told Bolivia to eradicate 4,375 acres of coca plants by June 30 or lose all U.S. assistance except humanitarian aid. Bolivia must destroy a total of 15,000 acres by the end of the year to continue receiving U.S. aid.