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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRATEGY REPORT, MARCH 1996: MOLDOVA
United States Department of State
Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
I. Summary
Moldova's efforts to counter illicit narcotics activity were out-paced
by increased drug smuggling operations in 1995. The Government of
Moldova (GOM) antidrug efforts included consolidating law enforcement
bodies, upgrading legislation, and establishing regional links with
other law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related crimes. On
balance, however, counterdrug efforts by the GOM continue to be hampered
by limited financial resources, experience, equipment, and the lack of
effective legislation and institutions. Moreover, although the GOM is a
party to the 1988 UN Convention, the government has taken only very
limited steps towards implementation.
II. Status of Country
GOM officials believe that domestic drug use is on the rise and that
Moldova is increasingly becoming a transshipment point for illicit
narcotics. Although information is limited, seizures suggest that the
frequency and the quantity of narcotics transiting the country sharply
increased in 1995 with growing amounts of cocaine appearing throughout
the country. Authorities report that illicit narcotics, primarily
heroin, are smuggled from Central Asia and Afghanistan, through Russia
to Western Europe.
Moldova's limited border controls and lack of law enforcement resources
make the country increasingly vulnerable to international crime groups
seeking new bases, according to Moldovan officials. Cultivation of hemp
and opium poppy remains primarily under the control of gypsies.
Nevertheless, in 1994 the GOM identified Central Asian drug groups
traveling to Moldova to organize opium and cannabis cultivation.
In 1995, Moldova recorded 1,409 persons registered as drug addicts.
III. Country Action Against Drugs in 1995
The GOM is increasing efforts to counter growing drug activity, but has
not yet developed a national counterdrug strategy. The GOM presented
draft legislation on drug use to the Parliament which is expected to be
adopted in 1996. Under the direction of President Snegur the judicial
institutions were reformed and a "state national council" comprised of
all ministries involved in drug control was established to coordinate
counternarcotics efforts. Moreover, in their largest seizure ever,
Moldovan police interdicted 120 kilograms of opium. The GOM also
manually eradicated opium poppy and hemp fields and claims to have
seized over two tons of illegal narcotics crops. The GOM continues
cooperation with its neighbors.
Corruption. The USG is not aware of any narcotics related corruption in
the Government of Moldova. Although there were several instances of
successful prosecutions of government officials for corruption in 1995,
there were no instances of such prosecutions involving narcotics.
Agreements and Treaties. The GOM is a party to the 1961 UN Single
Convention on Narcotics and its 1972 protocol; the 1971 UN Convention on
Psychotropic Substances; and the 1988 UN Convention Against Illicit
Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Moldova is a
member of INTERPOL. There is no extradition treaty, nor a mutual legal
assistance treaty.
Cultivation. Opium poppy and cannabis, in the form of hemp, are
cultivated in Moldova. Hemp production dates to the era of Peter the
Great, when hemp was introduced for rope production. Gypsy
organizations, centered in the city of Soroca, operate most of the hemp
production. Psychotropic substances such as ephedrine and pervitin are
also produced locally.
IV. U.S. Policy Objectives
Policy Initiatives and Bilateral Cooperation. In 1995 the USG
encouraged the GOM to identify existing problems and possible areas for
assistance and cooperation. Moreover, the USG is promoting antidrug
assistance for Moldova from those nations, primarily in Western Europe,
most directly affected by heroin smuggling through Moldova.
The Road Ahead. Over the next year, the USG will continue to encourage
Moldova to implement the 1988 UN Convention, expand drug control
activities, and establish the necessary legislative and institutional
antidrug capabilities to implement the three UN drug conventions.
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