In recognition of Colombia’s progress in fighting drug trafficking, the United Nations has removed Colombia from its 2011 roster of countries that need special observation.

The move hoped to motivate the crusade against drugs in Colombia, which nevertheless continues to be the world’s largest cocaine producer.

Although Colombia propelled an aggressive stance to eliminate poppy cultivation in 2002, annual harvest only began to visibly decrease six years later from 670 tons to 410 tons in 2009, according to Camilo Uribe, a member of the International Narcotics Control Board in Bogota.

“We continue with the challenge of reducing supply and demand,” said Colombian Interior and Justice Minister German Vargas, expressing his approval for the UN decision.