Bolivian President launches 'Coca Colla'

London, Jan 11 (ANI): Bolivian President Evo Morales, who's known for chewing coca leaves at UN meetings, has introduced a drink featuring the leaf called "Coca Colla".

Tea, flour, toothpaste and liquor are already being produced using a coca base.

Introducing the drink as an arc-rival to more famous US cousin, the proposal was submitted to the government last week to boost coca production.

Farmers proposed the name Coca Colla in reference to people living in the Andean part of the country.

The project could be either run by the state or a joint partnership with coca growers, reports the Telegraph.

According to the officials, drink's packaging would feature a black swoosh and red label similar to the famous Coke.

Coca leaves have been cultivated in the Andes mountains for 3,000 years and are part of the culture and identity of the people there, according to Mr Morales.

And about 10 million people in the Andes chew "sacred" coca leaves.

However, the International Narcotics Control Board has called for years for a ban on coca leaf chewing. (ANI)