Bolivian president Evo Morales is in hot water with the banana industry only a month into office.

Morales alleged last week that banana exports from his country to Argentina in the past have been used to hide drugs.

The allegation could not have come at a worse time for exporter Chapare Exporta, which had just despatched its first ever shipment to the EU - some 1,000 cartons with an estimated value of €14,000. The consignment was immediately halted at the quayside in Buenos Aires for inspection. The delays put a question mark over the ability of the fruit to withstand a long sea journey so it was diverted to Argentinean market instead.

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