U.S. Department of State
1997 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, March 1998
United States Department of State
Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
Europe and Central Asia
HUNGARY
I. Summary
Hungary remains a significant transit point for hashish (from southwest
Asia) and cocaine (from South America) destined for western
Europe. Marijuana seizures rose sharply during 1997. The steady increase in
domestic drug consumption, especially of Ecstasy and LSD, as well as a rise
in attendant drug-related crime is becoming a political issue in advance of
1998 legislative elections. In November 1997, the Government of Hungary
(GOH) completed a nine-month policy review recommending stiffer anti-drug
penalties, a revamped national drug strategy, and the appointment of a
US-style National Drug "Czar." In March 1997, Hungary and the USG exchanged
instruments of ratification for Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition
Treaties, and in November 1997, Hungary signed the Council of Europe
Convention on Money Laundering. Hungary is party to the 1988 UN Drug
Convention.
II. Status of Country
Hungary remains a significant transit point for heroin smuggled from
southwest Asia via the Balkans to western Europe. Factors contributing to
this are good road and rail links to both the Balkans and western Europe,
continuing instability in former Yugoslav countries, and the rise of
criminal groups in the Balkans financing their operations via drug
smuggling. Dramatic drops in drug seizures are due to successful efforts by
the Hungarian national police and border guards to strengthen border
surveillance, as well as closer cooperation with neighboring
countries. Cocaine traffickers have in the past taken advantage of
Hungary's good air connections to smuggle cocaine through Budapest's
Ferihegy Airport, but declining seizures indicate vigilant security is
diverting the trade to softer routes.
Now that drug interdiction efforts at the border are bearing fruit, GOH
officials increasingly focus on the worsening domestic drug problem. While
heroin and cocaine consumption is low due to the high cost, use of the
designer drug Ecstasy, LSD, and marijuana is rising, as are drug-related
crimes. Marijuana seizures rose sharply compared to 1996; GOH officials
cite as the cause foreigners who acquire agricultural land and conceal
illicit plants among legitimate crops.
Although money laundering is illegal, the developing nature of bank
sector regulatory agencies make money laundering a potential problem. Prior
to OECD accession in 1996, Hungary significantly modified its bank secrecy
laws to require disclosure of accounts suspected of links to drug
trafficking, money laundering and organized crime. GOH officials have no
statistical data on the extent, if any, of money laundering.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1997
Widespread popular concern over climbing drug use and crime levels
prompted Hungarian politicians from across the political spectrum to take a
fresh look at national drug policy. An ad hoc Parliamentary committee
presented its report in November 1997 for Parliamentary consideration. The
report identified the lack of clear definitions of illicit drugs or amounts
considered illegal as shortcomings in Hungarian narcotics legislation. The
report recommends transfer of overall responsibility for anti-narcotics
efforts from the Interministerial Drug Committee in the Welfare Ministry to
an independent office within the Prime Minister's office; appointment of a
National Drug "Czar;" tightening of legal penalties for drug possession;
greater emphasis on prevention among youth and making treatment more widely
available to the country's estimated 35,000 seriously addicted.
Law Enforcement Efforts. The GOH promotes international
cooperation on law enforcement, including expanded cross-border
anti-narcotics investigative cooperation with Austria. GOH officials
participate actively in international law enforcement training
programs.
Corruption. While there are no specific laws on narcotics-related
corruption, there is no evidence that this is currently a significant
problem in Hungary.
Agreements and Treaties. Hungary is a party to the 1961 UN Single
Convention, and its 1972 Protocol, the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic
Substances, and the 1988 UN Drug Convention. Mutual Legal Assistance and
Extradition Treaties between the USG and the GOH entered into force in
early March 1997. The USG has concluded a Customs Mutual Assistance
Agreement (CMAA) with the Government of Hungary.
Cultivation and Production. Some illicit production of marijuana
continues, primarily in western Hungary. No major eradication efforts were
taken by the GOH. While most of the Ecstasy and LSD is imported, there is
some local production.
Demand Reduction. Hungary currently spends $60,000 for teacher
training and curriculum development programs stressing demand reduction, in
addition to funds provided by USG and other international donors.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Bilateral Cooperation. USG supports Hungarian counternarcotics
efforts through training and cooperation. The centerpiece of these efforts
is the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Budapest,
established in 1995. In 1997, ILEA trained 160 Hungarians, as well as
nationals throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet
Union, in the principles and practice of law enforcement. The eight-week
core curriculum includes a significant counternarcotics component. The US
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) maintains an office in Vienna,
Austria which covers Hungary. Hungarian police officers have participated
in training sponsored by the DEA in Europe and the US. USIA and USAID
partially fund several programs stressing demand reduction and curriculum
development targeted to junior high school students.
The Road Ahead. The USG will continue its encouragement of
Hungary's counternarcotics efforts, and support moves to stiffen anti-drug
penalties and adapt anti-drug legislation and practice to western European
norms. In 1998, Hungarians will continue to participate in USG-sponsored
law enforcement training programs in Hungary and abroad.
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