UN praises South American drug programmes

The United Nations has praised the efforts of South American countries in tackling drug production.

In its annual report, the UN International Narcotics Control Board said measures taken, in particular in Bolivia and Peru, had contributed to reduced consumption of heroin and cocaine in the United States, but warned that trafficking to Europe was on the increase.

In contrast, the UN highlighted what it referred to as a worrying rise in both drug abuse and violent crime in the Caribbean and Central America -- as a result of increased trafficking there. It called for a more co-ordinated approach and greater international support for the region's efforts if they're to have any long-term impact.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service