Bolivia's government, reliant on US aid and vulnerable to US dictates, has been forced to uphold a war against coca producers. The 'Leopards' - anti-narcotic paramilitaries - patrol the tropical jungles of Chapere and destroy small cocaine factories. Local farmers, like Berto, are put under pressure to rip up their coca plants and replace them with alternative crops. But now Berto can't sell his new produce and is more impoverished than ever. Human rights organisations report violent abuses committed by the 'Leopards' against men and women. US Ambassador coolly contests such reports and admits that Bolivia would be 'hurt' if it objected to US initiatives. Evo Morales leads the Chapere people in a protest rally. For many rural communities, it is difficult to understand why their government is trying to destroy their livelihood.

Produced by ABC Australia