The UN says demand for cocaine is growing in some parts

The UN Office for Drugs and Crime said coca production in Colombia, Peru and Bolivia had reached its lowest point in 14 years thanks to anti-drug campaigns.

The three countries are the world's main producers of coca.

The UNODC's director warned the trend could only continue if farmers were offered other ways of making a living.

"The importance of a steady decline of coca cultivation in the Andean region cannot be overestimated," said Antonio Maria Costa.

He noted that Coca cultivation dropped 11% in 2003 in the three countries overall to 153,800 hectares (380,000 acres):

• Colombia saw its crop cultivation area fall 16% to 86,000 hectares (212,000 acres), its lowest levels since 1997

• Peru's production dropped 5% to 44,200 hectares (109,000 acres)

• Bolivia's output was recorded as 23,600 (58,000 acres)

New trends

However, Mr Costa also warned of worrying new trends in illegal drugs.

These include:

• an increased consumer preference for synthetic instead of planted drugs

• a rise in cocaine consumption in Europe

• new planting techniques by coca farmers to avoid aerial spraying