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Colombia is by far the largest source of illicit coca in the world, followed by Peru and Bolivia. Global production of cocaine in 2004 is estimated to have increased to 687 tonnes, of which Colombia contributed 56 %, Peru 28 % and Bolivia 16 % (UNODC, 2005). Most of the cocaine seized in Europe comes directly from South America (mainly Colombia) or via Central America and the Caribbean. In 2004, Suriname, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, Curaçao, Jamaica, Mexico, Guyana and Panama were reported as transit countries for cocaine imported into the EU (Reitox national reports, 2005; WCO, 2005; CND, 2006; INCB, 2006a; Europol, 2006). Some also passed through Africa, increasingly through Western Africa and countries in the Gulf of Guinea (mainly Nigeria), but also East Africa (Kenya) and North-west Africa through the islands off the coast of Mauritania and Senegal (CND, 2006; INCB, 2006a). The main points of entry in the EU remain Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal, as well as Belgium, France and the United Kingdom (Reitox national reports, 2005; CND, 2006; Europol, 2006). Although Spain and the Netherlands still play an important role as distribution points for the cocaine entering the EU, the intensified controls along the Spanish north coast (Galicia) and the 100 % controls policy on flights from specific countries (134) at Schipol Airport (Amsterdam) may have played a part in the development of alternative routes, increasingly, for example, via Africa, but also via Eastern and Central Europe and secondary distribution from there to Western Europe (Reitox national reports, 2005; WCO, 2005; INCB, 2006a).
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