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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRATEGY REPORT, MARCH 1996: FYROM
United States Department of State
Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
I. Summary
Drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking have increased substantially in
the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) during the past four
years. This is attributable in large part to a breakdown of the tight
control exercised by the prior regime and the economic downturn
experienced following the breakup of Yugoslavia. The opening of borders
with Albania and Bulgaria have also made it possible for traffickers to
develop new smuggling routes across the Balkans through Albania to
Italy. The Government of the FYROM is a party to the 1988 UN
convention.
II. Status of Country
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has become a major
transshipment point for drug trafficking between Turkey and Western
Europe. Illicit narcotics smuggling through the FYROM has risen
substantially in recent years, following the closing of the border with
Serbia and the imposition of the Greek embargo on FYROM. The expansion
of the FYROM sole East-West link through Bulgaria and Albania provides
an opportunity for drug traffickers in Turkey to move their drugs
through the FYROM. Only a small portion of the illegal drugs reportedly
remain in the FYROM.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1995
The Ministry of Interior has an active anti-narcotics program, and is in
the process of establishing an anti-narcotics unit. In 1995, the
Government of the FYROM made 119 drug arrests for drug smuggling and
seized 110.34 kilograms of heroin, 9.964 kilograms of raw opium, and
10.1 kilograms of marijuana. The value of the seizures was 2.7 million
German marks. The Government of the FYROM reported that it had
uncovered 12 drug smuggling operations between Italy and Turkey.
Arrests of local drug dealers also increased in 1995. The Ministry of
Interior reported that it seized from small-scale retailers 6.603
kilograms of heroin, 3.730 kilograms of marijuana, 6 551 kilograms of
opium, and 147 marijuana plants.
Illicit Cultivation/Production. There is some illicit cultivation of
opium and or cannabis in FYROM for personal consumption. There are no
statistics on such cultivation, however, and enforcement is supported by
an aggressive anti-illicit cultivation program. There is also legal
opium poppy cultivation, which is strictly controlled. Production is by
individual farmer-contractors or big socially-owned agricultural plants.
Alkaloid, the only factory in the FYROM that processes the opium poppy,
provides the contractors with poppy seeds and buys the opium. Some
recent cases under investigation have suggested that there are also
laboratories illegally producing amphetamines.
The Government of the FYROM is currently developing legislation to allow
for asset seizure. Currently, FYROM police and customs authorities can
only seize vehicles involved in trafficking.
Macedonian citizens can not be extradited; they can be prosecuted for
crimes committed in other countries.
Law Enforcement. Cooperation with neighboring countries has been
hampered by the political situation in the region. An interim agreement
with Greece has led to improved cooperation on the FYROM-Greek border.
Cooperation with Bulgarian and Albanian border authorities is uneven.
Lack of relations with Serbia/Montenegro means that cooperation with
Serbian officials is extremely limited. In 1995,the Ministry of
Interior reported a 29.3 percent increase in drug trafficking over 1994.
Demand Reduction. Public awareness programs are supported primarily by
international organizations. Limited treatment of addicts is financed
by the state. Addicts are treated in state-owned institutions. In
1995, the Ministry of Interior reported an increase of 540 registered
drug addicts, with a total of 1,377.
Agreements and Treaties. FYROM is a party to the 1988 UN Convention.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Policy Initiatives and Bilateral Cooperation. The USG continues to
promote increased FYROM Government attention to the drug problem.
Moreover, the USG encourages antidrug support from those nations,
primarily in Western Europe, most directly affected by the drug problems
from this region. In 1995, provided resources to help improve FYROM
Customs procedures and facilities.
The Road Ahead. The U.S. Government will continue to encourage FYROM to
expand its drug control activities, enact anti-drug legislation, and
improve its counternarcotic enforcement capabilities. The U.S.
Government will urge FYROM to implement the provisions of the 1988 UN
drug convention.
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