25 March 2002

Fact Sheet: U.S.-Peruvian Cooperation on Counternarcotics

The White House issued a fact sheet on March 23, presenting a broad overview of U.S.-Peruvian cooperation on counternarcotics efforts.

Following is the text of the fact sheet:

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
(Lima, Peru)

For Immediate Release

March 23, 2002

Fact Sheet: U.S.-Peruvian Cooperation on Counternarcotics

U.S.-Peruvian Cooperation on Counternarcotics

U.S. assistance to Peru helps to implement alternative development programs, interdict the flow of drugs, and eradicate drug crops. Peru is the second-largest producer of coca leaf after Colombia. With U.S. support, the area under coca cultivation in Peru has declined by 70 percent since 1995, though it has remained constant for the past year. Current estimates put the amount of coca cultivation in Peru at 34,000 hectares (85,000 acres).

Peruvian legislative initiatives include the recent adoption of money laundering legislation targeting the narcotics industry. This legislation, along with pending legislation strengthening the penalties against money laundering, establishes a Financial Intelligence Unit to detect illegal money operations and provides a strong tool for prosecutors to bring narcotics traffickers to justice.

U.S.-supported initiatives to fight the illicit drug trade in Peru include:

• Funding under the Andean Regional Initiative program for fiscal year 2002. The United States will provide to Peru $77.5 million for alternative development programs, and $75 million for law enforcement, interdiction, and eradication operations.
• A Bilateral Peru Riverine Plan, signed this month, to increase joint police and naval operations against narcotics traffickers on Peru's river systems. Under this plan, the government of Peru will maintain a regional Riverine Training School, and the United States will provide $3 million in annual support for river operations and maintenance programs.
• Cooperation also includes technical support for maritime and port controls.