Colombian authorities fear GM coca

Authorities suspect a new threat is lurking in the mountains and jungles of Colombia: Genetically altered coca plants that may be taller, bushier and faster-growing than the regular kind - and possibly more resistant to herbicides.

The emergence of a new strain of coca - the prime ingredient of cocaine - could undermine US-backed efforts to strip leftist rebels of their enormous profits from drug trafficking. American drug agents are busy trying to confirm the existence of the purported ueber-plant.

Giant coca plants have also been spotted in other areas, including in southern Colombia, where locals call the new varieties White Bolivian and Black Bolivian.