Honduras fears increase in coffee smuggling

Guatemala denies trafficking, but some years export more than they grow

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, - The fact that Central American smugglers are getting wealthy sneaking sack-loads of stimulants across borders in pick-up truck convoys under the cover of night may not be shocking news.

The surprise is the sacks are frequently full of high quality coffee beans instead of raw cocaine.

Smuggling coffee from Honduras into Guatemala to profit from higher prices and tax breaks there has become a serious problem, say Honduran officials, although their neighbors play down the practice.

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