1998 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
United States Department of State
February 26, 1999

MALTA

I. Summary

Drug trafficking and drug abuse of heroin and ecstasy remain areas of significant concern to Malta. The Government of Malta (GOM) has steadily increased its efforts to combat trafficking and abuse over the past several years. It has created a National Drug Intelligence Unit (NDIU) and a Special Police Commission in charge of drug matters. Those efforts have begun to reap tangible results. The Maltese welcome and benefit from all training opportunities. However, some coordination problems exist between the NDIU, customs, the military and SEDQA (an organization dedicated to drug and alcohol rehabilitation).

For the past three years, U.S. law enforcement agencies have conducted training courses in Malta on counternarcotics, organized crime, money laundering and investigative techniques. Malta is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention. In November, Malta signed the Council of Europe Convention on Money Laundering. Other money laundering safeguards already in place in Malta include: the freezing of assets of drug traffickers abroad, legal authority for providing investigation assistance to other governments in drug cases, and confiscation of assets of Maltese drug traffickers.

II. Status of Country

Malta has not been and will not likely become a significant player in the production or trafficking of illegal drugs, or money laundering. However, the country's large free-port container operations could be used for transfer of drug shipments by narco-traffickers. Also, features of the Maltese financial system may facilitate money laundering. Malta does not produce or have essential chemicals and hence is not a precursor or essential chemical source country.

III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1998

Policy Initiatives. The GOM maintained its serious anti-drug position through continued efforts to combat drug importation, distribution and use. The Special Police Commissioner for drug-related matters and the NDIU work closely to achieve this goal. The GOM has placed great importance on aggressively combating drugs and drug-related activity and aggressively pursue illegal drug operations.

Accomplishments. For the first ten months of 1998, the Maltese police seized 147 ecstasy pills, 58 grams of cocaine and 496 grams of heroin.

The FBI conducted a one-week training seminar in last October, which was well attended by Maltese police, customs, armed forces and NDIU officials. The GOM's most visible counternarcotics efforts in 1998 remained in the areas of education and demand reduction coordinated by SEDQA.

The GOM extradited to the U.S. a Maltese national accused of defrauding a U.S. bank.

Law Enforcement Efforts. The police and the armed forces routinely attempt to interrupt the sale and consumer use of illegal drugs. Maltese authorities have also increased efforts to prevent the movement of drugs through the airport and the sea terminal. Attempting to monitor and quell the flow of drugs through the free port remains difficult because of high vessel traffic passing through. However, the Maltese authorities have shown they can act decisively when notified by foreign law enforcement authorities of transshipment attempts.

Corruption. Malta has appropriate laws governing official corruption. There have been no reported problems in 1998 related to or associated with corruption of public officials as a result of illegal drug activities.

Agreements and Treaties. Malta is a party to the 1988 United Nations Drug Convention and in November 1998, signed the 1990 Strasbourg Convention on Money Laundering and Confiscation. The 1931 Extradition Treaty between the U.S. and the UK governs extradition between the United States and Malta.

Cultivation/Production. There is no significant cultivation or production of narcotics in Malta.

Drug Flow/Transit. Malta's drug problems continue to involve the importation and distribution of consumer-sized quantities of illegal drugs. At present, there is no indication that Malta is a major trafficking location. However, drug movements through the Malta free port are impossible to quantify and are likely to occur.

Domestic Programs. Malta's government-funded agency, SEDQA deals with all aspects of drug and alcohol abuse. The agency runs awareness and drug education programs in the school system; and organizes drug awareness programs for parents. Additionally, SEDQA develops and broadcasts programs on local television stations relating to the dangers of drug addiction and education.

IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs

Bilateral Cooperation. The U.S. pursues close cooperation with Maltese law enforcement officials on drug matters.

The GOM remains very interested in seeking and securing additional training whenever possible for its personnel, and welcomes US-sponsored training opportunities.

The Road Ahead. We anticipate continued cooperation with Maltese authorities on counternarcotics and other issues of mutual interest and concern. The GOM has requested further assistance from U.S. law enforcement agencies in the area of forensic investigative techniques.