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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
SLOVAKIA
I. Summary
As a point in the Balkan route between Russia, Ukraine and Southwest
Asia to western Europe, Slovakia remains a transshipment point for
narcotics. In 1997, the Government of the Slovak Republic (GOSR)
acknowledged that Slovakia has transformed from being primarily a transit
country for illicit drugs to a consuming country as well. Demand for drugs
within the country, trafficking of drugs and public awareness of drug use
and sales throughout Slovakia are on an upward trend. In response, in 1997,
Slovakia increased law enforcement funding and international cooperation on
drug enforcement.
II. Status of Country
Drug use and sales increased within Slovakia in the last year. The GOSR
has acknowledged increasing numbers of addicts. The GOSR, as well as
several non-governmental organizations, have noted increasing drug abuse
among young people. Of special concern to Slovak authorities is the
increasing use of heroin by young people in economically disadvantaged
parts of Slovakia. Drug-related violence is also on the rise, especially in
Petrzalka, a working class suburb of Bratislava. Excluding Bratislava,
locations within the Slovak Republic which have experienced drug-related
offenses are the country's numerous spa cities (Piestany, Trencianske
Teplice, Baroejov) and tourist centers (such as the High Tatra Mountains.)
Additionally, the so-called "Balkan route" is a major concern, chiefly
because of Slovakia's small and undermanned borders, such as Komarno and
Meoveoov along the Slovak-Hungarian border.
As in other areas of crime in Slovakia, the influence of organized crime
on drugs increased in 1997. The Slovak police have seen organized crime
elements (both from within Slovakia and from abroad) increasing in terms of
complexity and the amount of resources at their disposal. In contrast to
past years, when organized crime in Slovakia was less pervasive and had
fewer connections, criminal figures now have the most up-to-date equipment,
receive vast amounts of financing from other ventures, and utilize their
international contacts to further drug-related criminal
enterprises. Home-grown Slovak organized criminal elements have assumed
some of the sale and distribution of drugs in Petrzalka. Also in 1997,
local organized crime groups increased links with those of neighboring
countries.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1997
Slovak authorities have moved to strengthen border control, especially
on the eastern border with Ukraine. However, due to lack of training and
corruption, border control initiatives have not been effective.
Corruption. Concern persists among observers that corruption in
law enforcement and state administration is growing in Slovakia. This
corruption, if not stemmed, could seriously impact the effectiveness of
narcotics interdiction and prevention effort.
Agreements and Treaties. As one of the successor states to the
Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, Slovakia is bound to honor all
obligations and treaty commitments of the former Czech and Slovak Federal
Republic, including the 1961 UN Single Convention and its 1972 Protocol,
and the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 UN Drug
Convention. The bilateral extradition treaty between Czechoslovakia and the
United States has continued in force in the Slovak Republic, and has, in
effect, been updated to encompass drug-related offenses by virtue of the
GOSR's ratification of the UN Conventions. The USG has concluded a Customs
Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) with the Government of Slovakia.
Drug Flow/Transit. During the first three quarters of 1997, 770
cases of drug-related crime were reported, 225 more than during the same
period in 1996. Of these, 681 were prosecuted, 176 more than for the same
period in 1996. More than 7.30 kilograms of heroin were seized for this
period in 1997 (down from 10kg in 1996), and 9.577 kilograms of cocaine
(down from 15kg in 1996). More than 852 kilograms of cannabis derivatives,
including hashish, were seized. The GOSR reported that 53 grams of
amphetamines were seized. There were no statistics pertaining to deaths
related to drug-related crime. The Slovak Government noted that drugs tend
to be sold from houses and apartments rather than on the street.
Demand Reduction. Through the Institute of Drug Addiction, the
Institute of Drug Dependence and hospitals the GOSR has sought to provide
services to addicts for free.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Bilateral Cooperation. The USG has provided funds and training
expertise from a variety of USG agencies to assist the GOSR in its
anti-drug initiatives, including but not limited to support from the US
Customs Service, the US Department of State, the Drug Enforcement
Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The USG expects to
provide limited additional assistance to the GOSR in the form of training
opportunities in 1998. In addition, the Agency for International
Development (AID) is working with certain communities and NGOs on
demand-reduction programs.
The Road Ahead. The USG is encouraging the GOSR to maintain its
tough stance on drug enforcement and to expand its enforcement and
prevention capabilities through modernization of responsible agencies, and,
where possible, funding education programs for at-risk groups. The USG will
also continue to support and strengthen Slovakia's counter-crime and
counternarcotics efforts through law enforcement training.
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