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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRATEGY REPORT, MARCH 1996: EL SALVADOR
United States Department of State
Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
I. Summary
El Salvador is a transhipment point for cocaine moving to the U.S. along
the Pacific coast of Central America, a position that gives it the
potential to experience a significant increase in trafficking. Cocaine
use is growing. President Armando Calderon Sol has spoken out
forcefully against narcotics trafficking and money laundering, but has
yet to implement a clear anti-narcotics strategy. The Anti-narcotics
Division (DAN) underwent a major restructuring in 1995 as a result of
its incorporation into the National Civilian Police (PNC). Although it
has not yet fully regained the operational skills it had prior to
restructuring, the DAN has made major strides towards becoming an
effective organization. Small amounts of cannabis are grown in El
Salvador for domestic consumption. Money laundering does not appear to
be a major threat. El Salvador is a party to the 1988 UN Convention.
II. Status of Country
Seizures and anecdotal evidence suggest that significant amounts of
cocaine enter El Salvador for transhipment to the U.S. aboard vehicles
via the Pan American highway, small planes flying up the Pacific coast,
and maritime vessels using the country's ports. El Salvador's rapidly
expanding economy and banking system, stable currency, large amounts of
remittances from the U.S., and weak judicial system make the country
potentially vulnerable to money laundering; however, none has been
detected.
III. Country Action Against Drugs in 1995
Policy Initiatives. Although Salvadorans are increasingly aware of the
danger of being used as a drug transit point, the Government of El
Salvador (GOES) has yet to establish an effective anti-narcotics policy.
Recent legislation -- ratification of the 1988 UN Convention, a modern
anti-narcotics law -- has still not made a significant impact primarily
because of a weak judicial system.
Law Enforcement Efforts. The small amount of cocaine seized in 1995 (72
kilos) was largely because of problems in law enforcement and not an
indication of a reduction in the degree of trafficking. For the DAN,
1995 was a year of rebuilding. In January, most of the experienced
investigators chose to accept indemnities and resign from the unit
rather than undergo police academy training. Although the DAN lacks
essential experience, the unit's new personnel, including the director,
have a sense of commitment that resulted in some notable successes late
in the year.
Corruption. The Calderon Sol administration has taken a strong public
stand against corruption, and anti-corruption efforts appear to have
taken hold within the PNC. Investigations of possible narcotics-related
corruption in the judiciary are underway.
Agreements and Treaties. The U.S. has a bilateral extradition treaty
with El Salvador; however, no narcotics-related extraditions have been
requested. El Salvador is constitutionally prohibited from extraditing
its nationals. A weak judicial system has prevented effective
enforcement of the 1988 UN Convention and its implementing legislation.
Similarly, the weaknesses in the judicial system have seriously hampered
efforts to pursue the domestic prosecution of Salvadoran fugitives as an
alternative to extradition.
Demand Reduction. In the absence of GOES-sponsored demand reduction
programs, the DAN initiated an important anti-drug education program in
the schools, sponsored by DARE America. FUNDESALVA, a private
foundation, is considered one of the best in the region at promoting
anti-drug awareness.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Policy Initiatives. In support of the restructuring of the DAN in early
1995, the USG provided agent training, vehicle repair, communication
upgrades, and crime scene and surveillance equipment. Furthermore, the
DAN inaugurated its new Joint Information Coordinating Center (JICC) in
September. USG-assisted projects include upgrades to the JICC,
maintenance of the canine program, and further training of
investigators. Other projects include assessments of money laundering
in El Salvador and the narcotics-related threat to port security and
judicial integrity.
Road Ahead. While El Salvador has long been a transhipment point for
cocaine headed towards the United States, Salvadoran officials are only
beginning to realize that middle-men are being paid in drugs. The
danger posed to Salvadorean society by this increase in drugs is leading
the GOES to push its anti-narcotics efforts higher up on its priority
list. With the help of the USG, the re-organized DAN is likely to build
upon its excellent start. The USG will continue to encourage the GOES
to successfully implement its narcotics laws and treaties, to reassess
its policy on extradition of nationals, to maintain pressure on its
anti-corruption efforts, and to implement strategies to combat money-
laundering and judicial corruption.
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