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U.S. Department of State
1996 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, March 1997

United States Department of State

Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs


CROATIA

I. Summary

Croatian authorities increasingly are concerned about a rise in drug trafficking and drug use in Croatia. Of particular concern is the possibility of the rejuvenation of Balkan route variants which crossed a large part of Croatia's territory. To respond to the growing threat, the Ministry of Interior reorganized the criminal police and established a new Narcotics Division. Smaller drug divisions and units have been established in every police department throughout the country. The Narcotics Division has developed an action plan and a national strategy to combat drug abuse;it is actively training relevant officials. Croatia is a party to the 1988 UN Convention.

II. Status of Country

Croatia, with its extensive coast line, geographic location, and limited resources for patrolling its coast, offers great possibilities for transshipping narcotics. Variants of the Balkan route crossed a large part of Croatian territory prior to the war in the former Yugoslavia. With the lifting of the Yugoslav embargo in 1996, narcotics traffickers are increasingly using the southern portion of the route from Turkey through Bulgaria to Serbia. They may seek to use legs from Serbia through Croatia to West European markets. There are indications that the amount of narcotics transiting Croatia are increasing. There are also indications that the number of persons using drugs is increasing, particularly in the major urban areas (Zagreb, Split, Osijek, and Rijeka).

Croatian authorities are concerned that Croatia's banking sector, which is being reformed, may be vulnerable to money laundering. Ineffective legislation hampers enforcement efforts and prosecutions. However, the parliament is considering a law to improve the government's ability to investigate and prosecute money laundering.

III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1996

Policy Initiatives. The Government of Croatia (GOC) reorganized the criminal police within the Ministry of Interior to combat the increasing narcotics threat. A new Narcotics Division was formed within the Ministry and smaller drug divisions and units were established in every police department throughout the country. The Narcotics Division has established cooperative relationships with Interpol, and counterparts in Slovenia, Italy, Germany, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Hungary, and the US. Law enforcement contacts expanded with several other nations, including China, Bulgaria, Greece, and Pakistan. The Ministry of Interior established a counternarcotics action plan. With the participation of other relevant ministries, it also developed a national strategy to combat drug abuse.

Parliament amended the penal code to make possession of any quantity of narcotic drugs a criminal offense. However, efforts to interdict drugs have been hindered by inadequate legal provisions permitting undercover operations, use of controlled deliveries, and technical collection of evidence (i.e. audio and video recording).

Accomplishments. The GOC has established controls on the newly reopened Zagreb/Belgrade highway to inhibit renewed use of the route for the transit of narcotics. There is little indication of increased narcotics transiting the highway, which was an important transshipment route prior to Yugoslavia's dissolution. The GOC also has placed stringent controls on the entry of drug-essential chemicals into Croatia.

Law Enforcement Efforts. GOC officials claim a marked improvement in Croatia's counternarcotics capabilities with the assigning of at least one officer for narcotics matters at every police station. Law enforcement efforts focussed on arresting users and suppliers and confiscating narcotics.

Corruption. There have been allegations of corruption within senior levels of the ruling party and government, but none of these allegations have linked officials to narcotics-related corruption.

Agreements and Treaties. Croatia is a party to the 1988 UN Convention.

Cultivation/Production. Some cannabis is cultivated in Croatia, but it is unlikely Croatia will become a significant source of cannabis or other narcotics.

Drug Flow/Transit. Croatian officials are concerned that the consolidation of peace in the region may result in the resurgence of the Balkan route. Although they have hindered the flow of narcotics on the Zagreb/Belgrade highway, they have not established such controls on the Bosnia/Croatia border in southern Croatia (Dalmatia), and there has been an increase in narcotics seized in the Dalmatia region.

Domestic Programs (Demand Reduction). The Ministry of Health, with primary responsibility for domestic programs, has established some demand reduction programs. The Ministry of Education requires drug education programs in elementary and secondary schools. The state-run National Medical System also offers treatment programs for drug users.

IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs

Bilateral Cooperation. The USG urged increased GOC attention to the drug issue. Our efforts focused on identifying existing problems and possible areas of assistance. At the request of Croatian authorities, DEA conducted a two-week training seminar for senior counternarcotics police officials. The US Customs Service conducted a two-day seminar on money laundering. The US Coast Guard conducted an assessment of the GOC's current ability and future requirements to control Croatia's coast to include combatting drug trafficking.

The Road Ahead. Drug trafficking through Croatia is likely to increase in 1997, increasing the opportunities for organized crime involvement and money laundering. Over the next year, the USG will encourage the GOC to expand its drug control activities, and to establish the necessary legislative and institutional capabilities to support such activities. We also hope to train Croatian additional counternarcotics officials, and to build stronger ties to the GOC institutions combatting narcotics.

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