Based on reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, nations in the Americas seized the majority of cocaine in 2003, accounting for 87% of the world’s seizures. These statistics are similar to the data supplied to the General Secretariat from member states. European nations follow with 13% of seizures. The United States seized the greatest amount of cocaine, followed by Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico and Brazil.

In Europe, Spain seized the most cocaine including seizures which took place in international waters. Recent measures by the Netherlands at the international airport in Amsterdam and in the Netherlands Antilles have reduced the number of cocaine couriers utilising the route from Curacao to the Netherlands. Nevertheless, Dutch authorities seized the second highest amount of cocaine among European nations, followed by Italy, France and Germany.