Bolivian laws: True or false?

[MicroBalrog]

found this in the Commentaries:

A family member recently returned from Bolivia points out that they do not seem to have a gun problem in
that country. They have what may be the ideal gun control laws − there are none. Additionally, cocaine in
various forms is available on the open market, and they do not have any trouble with drug lords.

Is it true?

 

[mr_dove]

I spent two years in bolivia as a missionary. I saw and heard of very little crime while I was there although I didn't watch the news too much.

I'm not sure about the laws there but I can tell you that the people can barely afford food let alone discretionary income to purchase a handgun. There has been little need for gun laws because there has been very little gun crime. Part of the reason for little or no gun crime is because the people other problems to deal with. Americans ARE sometimes targeted because they are believed to have money. 2 missionaries were gunned down back in the 1980's although I don't know the reason for it. It may have been religiously motivated.

Cocaine is NOT available on the open market. What is available and commonly used by everyone is Coca leaves. They are an excellent herbal remedy for just about any stomach problems. They are most often prepared as tea or chewed.

Coca leaves provide no narcotic effect in thier natural state. Cocaine producers concentrate it and add numerous artificial ingredients. It is not sold in Bolivia for the same reason that there's not much of a gun market. Why sell it for nothing in Bolivia when you can sell it for a fortune in the US.

Again, my perspective may be a bit off since missionaries do not watch much TV or read newspapers. Our exposure to local politics are very limited.