U.S. TRIPLES ANTI-DRUG MONEY SENT TO PERU

LIMA, Peru - The United States will triple anti-drug funding to Peru,
the U.S. ambassador said Tuesday, ahead of President Bush's visit next
month.

Ambassador John Hamilton told reporters that U.S. aid meant to curb
drug production and trafficking will increase to more than $150
million in 2002, from about $50 million annually.

More than $80 million will finance alternative development programs
that help farmers switch from coca, the raw material of cocaine, to
other crops including coffee and cacao. The rest of the aid will
support interdiction.

Peru is the world's second largest producer of coca.