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
ROMANIA
I. Summary
In 1997, arrests and seizures of narcotics and illegal drugs increased
over the previous year. Romanian authorities believe that the country is
increasingly used as a storage location for drugs destined for sale in
western Europe, with small quantities redistributed for consumption in
larger cities like Bucharest or university centers like Cluj. Romania's
police and security agencies are making a concerted effort to combat this
problem. Despite budgetary restrictions and limited physical means, the
high number of arrests in 1997 indicates a serious police effort to stem
the flow of drugs through Romania. Romania is party to the 1988 UN Drug
Convention.
II. Status of Country
Romania is a transit country for drugs into western Europe. However, the
USG does not anticipate that Romania will become a significant producer of
narcotics or precursor chemicals despite the increase in drug
trafficking. Organized criminal activity in Romania involves narcotics
trafficking. Romania has established the Squad for Countering Organized
Crime (BCCOC) which is directly subordinate to Secretary of State of the
Ministry of Interior, Brigadier General Theodor Zaharia.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1997
In November 1996, the Romanian legislation monitoring drug trafficking
and production was modified. The new penal code institutes prison sentences
from 15 years to life for organized possession, distribution, or illicit
cultivation of narcotics.
Accomplishments. The Government of Romania (GOR) accomplishments
in 1997, included:
Combating Illicit Cultivation: In 1997, there was continued enforcement
of existing laws, though Romania has not traditionally been a country of
narcotics cultivation or production. The GOR also made 2 arrests for
cannabis cultivation.
Combating Distribution: 89 arrests of individuals for possession or
attempt to sell or transport illegal drugs.
Drug seizures: Romanian Customs seized 1,308 kg of cannabis; 70 kg of
cocaine; 15 kg of heroin.
Extradition: Romanian authorities cooperated with the USG and other
western countries in upholding extradition agreements and in other legal
and consular matters involving the arrests of US citizens involved in
narcotic trafficking.
Corruption. As a matter of policy, the Government of Romania does
not encourage or facilitate the illicit production or distribution of
drugs, other controlled substances or the laundering of drug money.
Law Enforcement Efforts. There were approximately 402 cases of
drug seizures in 1997. Most drugs were discovered in vehicles and houses,
with the exception of 69 parcels of cocaine discovered concealed between
the chairs of a RO-IR lorry. The 1997 statistics provided by the Squad for
Countering Organized Crime (BCCOC) show that a total of 640 persons were
arrested or entered into police records in connection with seizures. The
breakdown of the 640 by origin is as follows: 215 Romanian, 216 from Asia,
147 from Europe, 35 from Africa, 13 from North and South America, and 13
unknown.
Agreements and Treaties. The 1925 Extradition Treaty between the
USG and Romania is recognized and still applicable. The GOR is party to the
1961 UN Single Convention and its 1972 Protocol, the 1971 UN Convention on
Psychotropic Substances and the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
Cultivation and Production. Cultivation and production of
narcotics is minimal.
Demand Reduction. Local drug use remains low but is slightly on
the rise. Per capita income is low and most Romanians cannot afford to
purchase illicit drugs. When sold locally, drugs are priced in USD or
German marks. In a change from last year, there is now a public anti-drug
policy established by the Ministry of Health with the active participation
of the police. Known as "ARLID" (the Romanian fight against drugs), it has
a moderate budget and has produced literature, magazines, posters, etc.,
warning youth of the dangers of drug abuse. There are also small drug
rehabilitation units at larger hospitals, although no programs for social
rehabilitation have been developed.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Bilateral Cooperation. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has
worked with Romanian authorities on counternarcotics matters. The Romanian
General Customs Administration has created training programs focusing on
customs surveillance and control brigades including drug enforcement
teams. DEA and Romanian police have stepped up exchange of information. Two
seminars on counternarcotics trafficking were planned for December 1997 and
January 1998. Romanian authorities would welcome more seminars on modern
methods of combating money laundering.
The Road Ahead. DEA representatives in Vienna enjoy a cooperative
relationship with the Romanian police. The US Embassy anticipates no major
changes in DEA programs in Romania, with continued moderate expenditures
for training and possibly some expenditures for equipment. The USG will
also continue to support and strengthen the GOR's legislative and law
enforcement efforts to counter money laundering. The USG anticipates the
placement of a Department of Justice Resident Legal Advisor in Bucharest to
assist in the development of legislation to counter narcotics and organized
crime and train in other legislative and prosecutorial issues.
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