(12 Sep 2013) Peruvian authorities burned more than 3 tonnes of illegal drugs on Thursday, including 11 kilos of cocaine that local authorities said they found on two UK women arrested there last month, according to local media.
Interior Minister Wilfredo Pedraza led the drug-burning ceremony in the capital Lima.
"Today we witness the fourth burning of confiscated illegal drugs in our country between 26 July to 6 September. On this occasion, we will burn 2,941 kilos (3.24 tonnes) of illegal drugs," Pedraza said during the ceremony.
The drugs were seized in various raids around the country.
They included 1,288 kilos of cocaine base and 1,435 kilos of cocaine hydrochloride and 213 kilos of marijuana, according to local media.
Experts tested the authenticity of the drugs before police dumped them inside an incinerator to destroy them.
According to the United Nations and the United States, Peru's cocaine production now likely exceeds Colombia's, making it the world's number one source of the illicit drug.
In August, police arrested two young women from Scotland and Ireland at the airport on suspicion of trying to smuggle 24 pounds (11 kilos) of cocaine to Spain.
Michaella McCollum Connolly and Melissa Reid are charged with drug-trafficking and remain behind bars until their trial begins.
They face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison if convicted.
Lawyers for the two women claim they were coerced into carrying the drugs by criminals who threatened them and their families, and had them followed to Peru from Spain to ensure they collected the cocaine.
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