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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRATEGY REPORT, MARCH 1996: FYROM

United States Department of State

Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs


FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

I. Summary

Drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking have increased substantially in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) during the past four years. This is attributable in large part to a breakdown of the tight control exercised by the prior regime and the economic downturn experienced following the breakup of Yugoslavia. The opening of borders with Albania and Bulgaria have also made it possible for traffickers to develop new smuggling routes across the Balkans through Albania to Italy. The Government of the FYROM is a party to the 1988 UN convention.

II. Status of Country

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has become a major transshipment point for drug trafficking between Turkey and Western Europe. Illicit narcotics smuggling through the FYROM has risen substantially in recent years, following the closing of the border with Serbia and the imposition of the Greek embargo on FYROM. The expansion of the FYROM sole East-West link through Bulgaria and Albania provides an opportunity for drug traffickers in Turkey to move their drugs through the FYROM. Only a small portion of the illegal drugs reportedly remain in the FYROM.

III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1995

The Ministry of Interior has an active anti-narcotics program, and is in the process of establishing an anti-narcotics unit. In 1995, the Government of the FYROM made 119 drug arrests for drug smuggling and seized 110.34 kilograms of heroin, 9.964 kilograms of raw opium, and 10.1 kilograms of marijuana. The value of the seizures was 2.7 million German marks. The Government of the FYROM reported that it had uncovered 12 drug smuggling operations between Italy and Turkey.

Arrests of local drug dealers also increased in 1995. The Ministry of Interior reported that it seized from small-scale retailers 6.603 kilograms of heroin, 3.730 kilograms of marijuana, 6 551 kilograms of opium, and 147 marijuana plants.

Illicit Cultivation/Production. There is some illicit cultivation of opium and or cannabis in FYROM for personal consumption. There are no statistics on such cultivation, however, and enforcement is supported by an aggressive anti-illicit cultivation program. There is also legal opium poppy cultivation, which is strictly controlled. Production is by individual farmer-contractors or big socially-owned agricultural plants. Alkaloid, the only factory in the FYROM that processes the opium poppy, provides the contractors with poppy seeds and buys the opium. Some recent cases under investigation have suggested that there are also laboratories illegally producing amphetamines.

The Government of the FYROM is currently developing legislation to allow for asset seizure. Currently, FYROM police and customs authorities can only seize vehicles involved in trafficking.

Macedonian citizens can not be extradited; they can be prosecuted for crimes committed in other countries.

Law Enforcement. Cooperation with neighboring countries has been hampered by the political situation in the region. An interim agreement with Greece has led to improved cooperation on the FYROM-Greek border. Cooperation with Bulgarian and Albanian border authorities is uneven. Lack of relations with Serbia/Montenegro means that cooperation with Serbian officials is extremely limited. In 1995,the Ministry of Interior reported a 29.3 percent increase in drug trafficking over 1994.

Demand Reduction. Public awareness programs are supported primarily by international organizations. Limited treatment of addicts is financed by the state. Addicts are treated in state-owned institutions. In 1995, the Ministry of Interior reported an increase of 540 registered drug addicts, with a total of 1,377.

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

IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs

Policy Initiatives and Bilateral Cooperation. The USG continues to promote increased FYROM Government attention to the drug problem. Moreover, the USG encourages antidrug support from those nations, primarily in Western Europe, most directly affected by the drug problems from this region. In 1995, provided resources to help improve FYROM Customs procedures and facilities.

The Road Ahead. The U.S. Government will continue to encourage FYROM to expand its drug control activities, enact anti-drug legislation, and improve its counternarcotic enforcement capabilities. The U.S. Government will urge FYROM to implement the provisions of the 1988 UN drug convention.

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