U.S. REPORTS 20% RISE IN COLOMBIA'S COCA PRODUCTION

Contradicting Colombian estimates, the Bush administration said coca
production in that country increased by about 20 percent last year despite
the eradication efforts.

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy said that the
increase was troubling but that one-third of it was due to the inclusion of
an area not surveyed in 2000 because of cloud cover. Based on satellite
imagery, the coca crop was reported to have covered 417,430 acres last
year, 82,992 more than in 2000, an official statement said.

"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," it said.

Colombia is the world's largest producer and distributor of cocaine.