Irresistible rise of Colombian marching powder

COKE, Charlie, Blow, the Devil’s Dandruff, Flake, Angie, Line, Base, C, Toot, Snow . . . few drugs go under so many names, or seem so suited to the stressful lifestyle of the 21st century — both a stimulant, and an appetite suppressant . . . and very quick to administer.

Yet coca has been known for thousands of years, and came to the attention of Europe following the conquest of South America by the conquistadores who recognised the plant’s medicinal qualities to such an extent they legalised and taxed the leaf at a value of 10% of each crop. Those revenues went to support the expansion of the Catholic church in Latin America.

For centuries it remained a mystery (coca does not grow in Europe and the leaf ruins during transport) but by the middle of the 19th century sufficient quantities had been shipped to excite the interest of scientists and doctors.