COCA CULTIVATION IN COLOMBIA INCREASED 25% LAST YEAR, U.S. SAYS

The Report, Based On Satellite Imagery, Contradicts Colombian Estimates.

WASHINGTON -- Contradicting Colombian estimates, the Bush administration
said Thursday that coca production in that country increased by 25 percent
last year.

The increase came despite increased U.S. counternarcotics assistance to
Colombia in recent years, including the $1.3 billion Plan Colombia package
approved in 2000, providing helicopters and training for anti- narcotics
brigades.

Based on satellite imagery, the coca crop was reported to be 417,430 acres
last year, 82,992 more than in 2000, the White House Office of National
Drug Control Policy said in a statement.

It said the increase was troubling but added that there were mitigating
circumstances. One-third of the increase, it said, was due to the inclusion
of an area not surveyed in 2000 because of cloud cover. It also said some
of the coca included in the estimate was later eradicated by spray planes.

"The figures underscore the pervasiveness of cultivation and trafficking in
Colombia; the magnitude and complexity of Colombia's interlocking security,
drug-control and economic challenges; and the need for sustained U.S.
engagement," the statement said.

Last week, Colombian Justice Minister Romulo Gonzalez said coca production
had dropped significantly, from 392,000 acres under cultivation 16 months
ago to 336,000 in December.

He called this "a clear demonstration" the eradication program is working.

Earnings from coca -- the raw material for cocaine -- fuel leftist
guerrillas and right-wing paramilitaries involved in Colombia's 38- year
civil war.

Officials have said it would take time to achieve significant results from
U.S. anti-drug aid.

"Although the full complement of counterdrug and development resources is
still arriving in Colombia, we recognize that our efforts to date have not
yet produced the results we had hoped to achieve," the White House
statement said.

It said the lack of security in Colombian drug-cultivation regions has made
it difficult to implement programs.