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Great Seal

International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, 1999
Released by the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC, March 2000

Blue Bar

Continuation of Africa and the Middle East

SAUDI ARABIA

I. Summary

Saudi Arabia continues to make compliance with the provisions of the 1988 UN Drug Convention -to which it is a party- a national priority, and the SAG continued in its determination to eliminate drug trafficking and abuse during 1999. Penalties for drug crimes in Saudi Arabia severe; under the Saudi Islamic (Sharia) legal code, drug trafficking is a capital crime, enforced against Saudis and non-Saudis alike. After a hiatus in 1998, public executions for drug trafficking resumed with 43 executions during the year, including three Nigerian women executed for smuggling cocaine. Pakistan continues to be the single largest source of narcotics and Pakistani nationals continue to be the largest conduit of illegal substances. Saudi Arabia relies upon a network of overseas drug enforcement liaison offices and on state of the art detection and training programs to apprehend and deter drug traffickers.

Government determination notwithstanding, however, embassy believes that drug trafficking and abuse is a growing problem, albeit a minor one when compared to other countries. We are unable to substantiate this assessment with hard data, however, because the government provides no statistics on drug consumption, interdiction, and trafficking. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Saudi Arabia's relatively affluent population, large numbers of unemployed youth, and strict privacy laws make it an attractive target for drug dealers.

II. Status of Country.

Saudi Arabia has no significant drug production and, in keeping with its conservative Islamic values, places a high priority on fighting narcotics abuse and trafficking. The government undertakes widespread anti-narcotics educational campaigns in the media, health institutes, and schools, and since 1988 has applied the death penalty for drug smuggling. As a result, drug abuse and trafficking are not major social or law enforcement problems. However, Saudi officials acknowledge that illegal drug use is on the rise.

Saudi government efforts to treat drug abuse are aimed solely at male Saudi nationals, who are remanded to one of the country's four drug treatment centers. There are no treatment facilities for Saudi women, and expatriate substance abusers are jailed and deported. Health officials confirm anecdotal reports of a general increase in substance abuse, but note that most addictions are not severe, reflecting the scarcity of narcotics available and their diluted form. Heroin is more prevalent in urban areas, with hashish, cocaine, and amphetamines are also in demand.

III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1999. Policy Initiatives. The lead agency in Saudi Arabia's drug interdiction effort is the Ministry of Interior, which has more than 20 overseas offices in countries identified as representing a trafficking threat. In addition, the Saudi government continues to play a lead role in efforts to enhance intelligence-sharing among the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Saudi Arabia is a member of the United Nations Drug Control Program (UNDCP) and its drug enforcement personnel regularly participate in international fora and training programs, including the UN General Assembly's Special Session on the world drug problem in June 1998.

Law Enforcement Efforts. Illegal narcotics, with the exception of marginal cultivation of the mild-stimulant qat in the south-western tribal areas bordering Yemen, are not cultivated or produced in Saudi Arabia. Drug seizures, arrests, prosecutions, and consumption trends are not a matter of public record, although reports of drug seizures by Saudi law enforcement officers appear regularly in local Arabic-language newspapers. Saudi interdiction efforts tend to focus more on individual carriers than on follow-on operations designed to identify drug distributors and regional networks. Working with U.S. Customs advisors, Saudi Customs agents have begun using new techniques which have resulted in an increase in drug seizures (predominantly heroin, cocaine and hashish) at some points of entry.

Corruption. The USG has no indication of involvement by Saudi government officials in the production, processing, or shipment of narcotic and psychotropic drugs and other controlled substances.

Agreements and Treaties. There is neither an extradition nor a mutual legal assistance treaty between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention. Through the Saudi-U.S. Joint Economic Commission, U.S. Customs officials are seconded to Saudi Arabia to provide advice and training for Saudi Customs. Saudi Arabia is a party to the World Customs Organization's International Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance for the Prevention, Investigation, and Repression of Customs Offenses (Nairobi Convention), Annex X on Assistance in Narcotics Cases.

Cultivation/Production. Cultivation and production of narcotics in Saudi Arabia is negligible.

Drug Flow/Transit. Saudi Arabia is not a major transshipment point. In part due to new techniques being employed at major points of entry, drug seizures, primarily of heroin, cocaine, hashish and amphetamines coming primarily from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Turkey, have increased.

Domestic Programs (Demand Reduction). In addition to widespread media campaigns against substance abuse, the Saudi government sponsors drug education programs directed at school-age children, health care officials, and mothers. Executions of drug traffickers, conducted in public and extensively publicized, are believed by Saudi narcotics officials to serve as a deterrent to narcotics trafficking and perhaps to abuse. The country's influential religious establishment preaches actively against narcotics use and several government treatment facilities provide counseling for Saudi male addicts free of charge.

IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs -

Policy Initiatives. The U.S. seeks to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the Saudi government. A non-binding Memorandum of Understanding proposed by the Department of State in May 1996, and still under review by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, calls for increased bilateral cooperation in information sharing, legal assistance, training, and demand reduction.

Bilateral Cooperation. Saudi officials actively seek and participate in U.S.-sponsored training programs and are receptive to enhanced official contacts with DEA.

Road Ahead. The U.S. will arrange for officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration to visit Saudi Arabia regularly for liaison visits, professional exchanges, and training.

SENEGAL

I. Summary

The Senegalese drug agency , the Office of Control and Repression of Traffickers of Illicit Stupefacients (OCRTIS), has the lead law enforcement role in combating drugs in Senegal. OCRTIS is an independent agency acting on behalf of all drug suppression services (Police, Gendarmerie, and Customs) and the key coordinating agency on the drug issue.

The Senegalese believe that their country is primarily a transit country for drugs, with some consumption. There is no evidence that drugs transiting Senegal have a significant impact on the U.S. Cannabis is still a profitable cash crop in the Casamance region of Senegal, and cannabis is the illicit drug of choice in Senegal. OCRTIS has fully cooperated with the U.S. DEA on two cases since January 1999. OCRTIS also works closely with other drug enforcement agencies. Senegal is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.

II. Status of Country

Senegal is a major transportation hub in West Africa. Dakar's Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport is the point of departure for flights abroad, including a direct flight to New York. The busy international port of Dakar as well as Senegal's loosely controlled land borders, makes it relatively easy to transport drugs through the country. Cannabis is still grown as a highly profitable cash crop in the southwestern Casamance region, but it is either consumed locally or exported to regional countries. It is very difficult for law enforcement personnel to reach some Senegalese marijuana fields because of swampy terrain and lack of equipment. It is believed that the MFDC, a Senegalese separatist group active in this region, has used the profits from the sale of drugs to fund their movement, but there is no evidence that Senegalese marijuana comes to the U.S. in any significant quantity.

III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1999

Senegal is a party to the three UN drug conventions of 1961, 1971, and 1988 . Senegal has amended its laws in an effort to provide a stronger basis to combat illicit drug trafficking. Senegal, however, needs to enforce these laws against narcotics trafficking and possession with more vigor.

In late December 1997, the Senegalese government adopted a national plan of action to fight illicit drug abuse and trafficking which was to be implemented over a period of three years. The plan was developed with the assistance of the UN Drug Control Program. The goals of the Senegal National Plan are: improving Senegal's institutional and operational framework for drug control, better coordination of enforcement actions, and emphasis on prevention and treatment of drug addicts. It is estimated that this national plan will cost approximately 4.4 million dollars to implement. The plan is to be financed by the national budget and by international cooperation, both bilateral and multilateral. As of December 1999, the Government of Senegal had not moved any closer to financing the plan.

Law Enforcement. The drug code permits controlled deliveries; allows seizure of benefits earned from drug trafficking; legalizes modern methods of investigation, such as telephone taps and use of computer data; and increases drug offense penalties to a maximum of 10 years in prison.

In 1999, an operation called "Cannabis V" was launched. It led to the destruction of cannabis fields with the following results: 500 kg of treated cannabis destroyed; 120 kg of seeds burned Officer, OCRTIS seized thirty (30) kg of cocaine at the Dakar International Airport in December 1999. The total amount of drugs reportedly seized by various law enforcement entities in Senegal was: cocaine, 31.4 kg; "crack" crystal cocaine, 110 pieces; heroin, 382 small balls; hashish, 14 gr.; cannabis, 7 tons; other psychotropic substances, 4,737 pills.

The total number of narcotics-related arrests was 2665. OCRTIS states it is currently investigating one case of money laundering involving two persons.

Corruption. The full extent of corruption in Senegal is unknown. Bribery and other forms of corruption have not been aggressively investigated or prosecuted, but it is generally believed that corruption negatively affects government activities in Senegal.

Agreements and Treaties. Senegal is a member of INTERPOL and of the World Customs Organization (WCA). Senegal 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 . Senegal is also a party to both ECOWAS conventions, including the 1992 convention on mutual judicial cooperation with regards to penal matters and the 1994 extradition convention. Senegal also has extradition treaties with Cape Verde, the Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Morocco, Tunisia, and France. There are no extradition or mutual legal assistance treaties in force between the U.S. and Senegal.

Cultivation and Production. Cannabis is a lucrative cash crop, leading many farmers to abandon traditional agriculture. The cannabis grown in Senegal does not have a significant impact on the U.S.

Domestic Programs (Demand Reduction). Only a few NGOs, with minimal help from the government, have been active in the fields of prevention and awareness for potential users. A French government financed center for awareness and information about illegal substances was created in Thiaroye, a suburb of Dakar. Another is planned for the regional capitol of St. Louis. In the near future, drug awareness and prevention educational modules will be included in public school academic programs. The ministry of education has planned several training sessions to train instructors on how to teach/moderate these drug awareness modules to local children. Senegalese authorities are also planning the creation of local shelters for drug addicts.

Road Ahead Senegal needs to implement its counter narcotics legislation more energetically, and continue its efforts to suppress marijuana cultivation.; and 3 seeded fields destroyed.

Working with the U.S. DEA, OCRTIS seized five hundred (500) grams of cocaine in February 1999 during a controlled delivery. Working with British customs, the Belgian police, and the British Drugs Liaison

SEYCHELLES

The two major sectors of the Seychelles economy are tourism and fishing. However, these sectors have not generated sufficient foreign exchange earnings to meet Seychelles investment and import needs. As part of its strategy to diversify the economy and increase foreign exchange earnings, the government is marketing Seychelles as an offshore financial and business center, creating a Seychelles International Trade Zone (SITZ) managed by the Seychelles International Business Authority (SIBA). The most glaring weakness of this program is that it permits bearer shares, which facilitate money laundering by making it extremely difficult to identify the beneficial owners and directors of an International Business Corporation (IBC). There is, however, little concrete evidence of money laundering at present.

The 1995 Economic Development Act, which was drafted in such a way as to invite major investors to launder money, as well as to offer them protection from extradition and asset seizures, remains on the books, but has not been brought into force. The government has provided assurances that this law will remain inactive. A 1996 law criminalized money laundering, but it is uncertain how energetically this legislation is being implemented. The Seychelles has been a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention since 1992. In the latter part of 1999, the U.S. and the Seychelles Governments engaged in discussions regarding the applicability of the 1931 U.S.-UK Extradition Treaty to the Seychelles under its succession agreement with the UK.

A small amount of cannabis is produced in the Seychelles, primarily for domestic use. The Seychelles also is a destination for marijuana smuggled from Madagascar. There are unconfirmed reports that the islands are being used increasingly as a transshipment point for heroin from Southwest Asia to South Africa and Europe.

SOUTH AFRICA

I. Summary

South Africa is committed to fighting domestic and international trafficking in illicit narcotic drugs. Nevertheless, it is a significant transit area for cocaine from South America and heroin from the Far East, with South African or European markets as the primary final destinations. In addition to being a large producer of cannabis, most of which is consumed in the southern African region, South Africa is perhaps the world's largest consumer of Mandrax (methaqualone, an amphetamine-type stimulant).

In 1999, the U.S. and South Africa concluded negotiations on a bilateral extradition treaty and a mutual legal assistance treaty. In addition, the South African Parliament was occupied considering amendments to the Prevention of Organized Crime Act through much of 1999. South Africa's cabinet also began consideration of a bill to establish a financial intelligence reporting center in November. South Africa became a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention in late 1998.

II. Status of Country

South Africa's emergence from international isolation and its transition to democracy and toward a free-market economy have been accompanied by the increased use of its territory for the transshipment of contraband of all types, including narcotics.

An interesting revelation from the depths of the apartheid past recently has come to light as a result of the hearings held by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and of the trial of the apartheid government's chemical and biological warfare guru, Wouter Basson. Apparently, the apartheid government not only acquiesced in the trafficking in narcotics among some ethnic groups, but it went so far as to produce illegal drugs, primarily mandrax, that were to be utilized as an instrument of social and political control.

South Africa has for sometime been the hub of many major smuggling routes. Additionally, South Africa has the most developed transportation, communications, and banking infrastructure in Africa. The country's modern international telecommunications systems, its direct air links with South America and Europe and its permeable land borders provide opportunities for regional and international trafficking in all forms of contraband, including narcotics.

South Africa continues to rank among the world's largest producers of cannabis. Most of the South African-produced cannabis is still primarily marketed and consumed domestically or within the southern African region. Exports to the UK and Europe, however, continue to increase. There also have been seizures in the U.S. of cannabis originating from southern Africa; although the impact of such shipments on the U.S. market is believed to be minimal.

III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1999

Policy Initiatives. Combating narcotics trafficking and use is important for the South African government (SAG) anti-crime agenda, but as a practical matter SAG tends to target its limited anti-crime resources on serious, violent domestic crime. (N.B. South Africa still has one of the world's highest murder rates and may lead the world in number of rapes per capita). South Africa's porous borders are crossed daily by criminals trafficking in many forms of contraband, including, but certainly not limited to, stolen cars, illicit firearms, diamonds, and precious metals. Over the last two years, the inter-ministerial National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) office has become more effective in bringing a modicum of coordination to the law enforcement and criminal justice systems. Owing to SAG's limited resources, however, the narcotics bureau (SANAB) continues to suffer from a lack of training, resources, and qualified personnel.

Accomplishments. In November 1998, South Africa's parliament passed a Prevention of Organized Crime Act, designed to outlaw certain criminal conspiracies and put teeth into previous legislation outlawing money laundering. Unfortunately, the act has not fared well under judicial and constitutional scrutiny. It has been amended several times and several challenges to arrests and seizures under the new version are pending. As of November 1999, the cabinet was considering a draft anti-money laundering bill, the "Financial Intelligence Center Bill." While neither of the above bills is solely targeted at drug traffickers (the problems with organized crime and money laundering are more broad in scope), both can provide SANAB with legal tools for more thorough investigations of drug trafficking organizations and for pursuing drug-related money laundering operations.

Law Enforcement Efforts. SANAB and South African Customs Service continue to make seizures of cocaine arriving in the country at international airports. The aerial wing of the police carries out an airborne cannabis eradication regime domestically and with neighboring states. The effectiveness of these operations often is hampered by lack of funds. However, increased training and police presence have meant that more seizures of drugs destined for export are taking place. The Revenue Service has reorganized the Customs Service to make it more effective in interdicting and investigating smuggling of all types, including narcotics.

South African Customs has been active in investigating the use of the mails for international criminal activities. Over a dozen seizures of cannabis bound for Europe via the postal system have been made in the last year. Moreover, suspicious checks from the U.S. addressed to individuals or locations with known ties to international crime gangs have been intercepted.

Corruption. Officials accused of corruption are prosecuted under the 1992 Corruption Act. Accusations of widespread police corruption are frequent, but many failures and lapses by the police also can be attributed to a lack of training and resources as much as to corruption. We have seen no credible evidence of narcotics-related corruption among senior South African law enforcement officials. Nevertheless, low level corruption among border control officials, does appear to be a contributing factor to the permeability of the borders. Efforts to improve esprit de corps and improve salaries and training may address this problem.

Agreements and Treaties. South Africa is a signatory to the 1996 Southern African Development Community (SADC) "Protocol On Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking." In September 1999, the South African Minister of Justice and the U.S. Attorney General signed an extradition treaty, to replace the 1947 extradition treaty, and a mutual legal assistance treaty (MLAT). The U.S. and South Africa also negotiated and initialed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement. South Africa is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention, as well as to the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances and the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and its 1972 Protocol.

Cultivation/Production. Cannabis, which grows wild in southern Africa, also is a traditional crop grown in many rural areas, particularly the Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces as well as in neighboring Swaziland. It is possible to have three cannabis crops a year in some areas. Most of South African-produced cannabis is consumed domestically or in the southern African region. However, increasing amounts are being seized in Europe and the UK.

Drug Flow/Transit. Cocaine, in significant amounts, reaches South Africa from South America. Previously, Brazil was thought to be the most popular departure country. Recent seizure patterns indicate that Miami may have replaced Rio as the transfer point of choice for cocaine entering South Africa from South America. The bulk of the cocaine entering South Africa probably is destined for re-export to Europe. Nevertheless, domestic consumption of cocaine, both powder and crystal (crack), apparently is increasing. Heroin is smuggled into South Africa from Southwest and Southeast Asia; much of this is destined for onward shipment to Europe. The amount of drugs transiting South Africa to the U.S. is believed to be minimal.

Domestic Programs. South Africa has had a long history of Mandrax and cannabis use/abuse; opium smoking is widespread among some groups. Drug counselors have noted a sharp increase in the number of patients seeking treatment for crack addiction in the past two-five years. (N.B. In South Africa the pipe often is the instrument of choice for drug use; thus, crack fits more easily into the tradition of smoking, be it opium or cannabis, than does injectable heroin.) General budgetary constraints have meant that SAG subsidies for non-government drug rehabilitation agencies have been cut the last few years.

IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs

There is a profusion of international criminal activities, including drug trafficking, in and through South Africa and the southern African region. These activities have a direct and indirect impact on U.S. interests, although their actual impact in the U.S. is still minimal. U.S. law enforcement officers from the DEA, FBI, U.S. Customs, and Secret Service work diligently with their South African counterparts. Moreover, the USG has been active in urging SAG to propose legislation that will strengthen South Africa's legal system and provide a framework for prosecuting sophisticated organized criminal activities, including drug trafficking.

In February 1999, The U.S.-South African Binational Commission (BNC) created a new committee dedicated to anti-crime issues. The New Justice and Anti-Crime Cooperation Committee has been the focal point since then of U.S.-South Africa anti-crime and counter narcotics cooperation efforts.

Road Ahead. Notwithstanding the lack of a bilateral counter narcotics agreement, there has been excellent cooperation between SANAB and DEA. Likewise, the relationship between U.S. Customs and its South African counterpart has been quite productive. The USG's fiscal year 2000 anti-crime and counter narcotics strategy includes a program of continued assistance to and cooperation with South African law enforcement and criminal justice authorities. The USG is especially looking forward to the establishment of another of its International Law

SWAZILAND

I. Summary

International drug trafficking continues to grow in Swaziland. Currently, local production consists of a marijuana cash crop consumed locally, as well as exported, primarily to South Africa, but also to Europe and, to a lesser extent, the U.S. Trafficking has become the major threat as multiple factors make Swaziland attractive as a regional base or transshipment point for international trafficking organizations: its proximity to South Africa, which is Africa's richest market for illicit narcotics; lack of effective anti-drug legislation; limited enforcement resources; a relatively open society; and a developed economic infrastructure. There is a 20-person anti-narcotics unit within the Royal Swaziland Police which has benefited from training opportunities and proven increasingly successful at interdicting shipments. The unit's effectiveness is dramatically limited by a lack of key resources and legislation to convict those arrested, as well as rumored corruption among related entities. Swaziland's strength is high-level awareness of the potential problem, which has led to regional cooperation. This includes the arrest of a reputed drug kingpin, Ron Smith, and the spraying of cannabis crops with herbicides, as a result of South African and USG assistance. Swaziland is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.

II. Status of Country

Local official concern is growing, as anecdotal evidence and newspaper accounts point toward rapidly increasing narcotics trafficking in Swaziland. South African Narcotics Bureau (SANAB) personnel believe that bulk shipments of narcotics are being sent to Swaziland, where the narcotics are cut for onward shipment to South Africa, Europe, and to a lesser extent, the U.S. One local customs officer accepts a ballpark estimate of a 300-400 percent increase in narcotics transiting Swaziland over the past three years, with increasing amounts apparently destined for Swaziland rather than onward recipients. There are also reports of harder drugs, including crack cocaine, in Swaziland.

Local narcotic drug cultivation is still largely limited to marijuana, with the crop considered by police to be "extensive." In addition to being consumed locally, marijuana production is shipped to South Africa with some onward shipment, mostly to Europe, but also to a lesser extent the United States. Local consumption consists of the local marijuana crop, plus small amounts of Mandrax, an amphetamine type stimulant, cocaine, and heroin. The largest metropolitan city, Manzini, is the center of illegal drug activity in Swaziland.

Swaziland's narcotics law dates from the 1920s. It does not address conspiracy, asset seizure, or money laundering. Draft legislation has been languishing in the Attorney General's (AG) office since 1997. However, the new AG, appointed in November 1999, has publicly stated that he will dust off the legislation for consideration by the parliament in early 2000. The 1931 U.S.-UK Extradition treaty remains applicable to the U.S. and Swaziland through an exchange of notes dated July 28, 1970. Swaziland also has an extradition treaty with South Africa, as well as a protocol and mutual understanding on narcotics with Commonwealth Countries.

The police have a 20-person narcotics unit. It lacks vehicles, detection equipment, narcotics dogs, and office automation equipment, which significantly dampens its effectiveness. The unit's level of training, while increasing, remains limited. Additionally, it is sometimes called upon to perform routine, non-narcotics related police work, which detracts from its focus. There are rumors of corruption amongst police, customs, and other government officials. Although the corruption has been characterized as "mild" by expatriate police officials, it is thought to affect interdiction, arrests and convictions.

Swaziland is not considered a regional financial center, however, it is a short distance from major South African cities, and is a different jurisdiction so there is a potential for money laundering. Swaziland has included a section on money laundering in its draft narcotics legislation.

III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1999

Law Enforcement Efforts. In 1999, Swaziland took a major step in combating the drug trade by assisting South African authorities in arresting a reputed drug kingpin in Swaziland. The accused remains under house arrest in South Africa until his trial begins early next year.

About twice a year, Swazi officials publicly incinerate narcotics seized through sting operations, routine vehicular checks, and during other criminal investigations. This was last done in June when over U.S. $217,000 street value worth of cannabis, cocaine and mandrax was destroyed.

With assistance from the DEA and the regional narcotics officer assigned at the Embassy in South Africa, Pretoria, the Swazis arranged for the South African Police to spray herbicides on its illicit cannabis crops throughout the inaccessible regions of Swaziland. The South African Police used their helicopters to carry out this operation and eradicated a third of the country's cannabis crop. The Swazis have also worked closely with DEA Pretoria to carry out controlled deliveries of narcotics.

Regional cooperation continues with South African anti-drug officials, including the sharing of information. Swaziland has strengthened this cooperation throughout its tenure as chair of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (SARPCO). Swaziland officials welcome regional initiatives and cooperation. Both Swaziland and South Africa support UK provided training and U.S. assistance programs.

IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs

The USG supports Swazi efforts in drug interdiction and demand reduction in an effort to promote regional stability. Coordination is close with the regional DEA and NLEA offices in Pretoria. The USG will also continue to support Swazi interdiction and demand reduction efforts and has the following near-term objectives in Swaziland:

Urging rapid enactment of the updated drug legislation;
Continued assistance to eradicate cannabis crops;
Assistance to Swazi initiatives in the counter drug arena, as budget ceilings permit.

SYRIA

I. Summary

In 1999, the Syrian Arab Republic Government (SARG) continued to make progress in combating the drug trade, but Syria remains an important transit country. Jordan has become the primary destination for drugs transiting Syria, while Lebanon and Turkey remain significant transshipment points to/from Syria. Syria has used its influence in Lebanon to assist Lebanese officials to significantly suppress drug production and trafficking. Syria is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention, but does not have a bilateral narcotics agreement with the U.S. In recognition of SARG drug control efforts, President Clinton removed Syria from the drug Majors List in 1997 and placed it on a "watch list" for continued monitoring for the suppression of cultivation.

II. Status of Country

Syria is a transit country for hashish and heroin moving through the region, especially from Lebanon and Turkey, and for opium and morphine entering Lebanon and Jordan from Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey. 1999 saw some increase in movement of cocaine from Brazil, via Europe, through Syria, en route to Lebanon. Increased shipment of drugs through Syria to Saudi Arabia and Israel via Jordan was also observed. The available evidence indicates that the bulk of narcotics transiting Syria goes to other parts of the region and to Europe, but not in significant quantities to the United States.

No members of the Syrian military stationed in Lebanon were prosecuted for drug trafficking in 1999. While there have been previous allegations of such trafficking, Syrian counternarcotics officials maintain that these accusations are seldom substantiated by hard evidence and that, meanwhile, drug production in the Biqa' valley has decreased significantly, even in remote mountainous areas without roads. At the same time, these officials acknowledge that some low-ranking individuals in the Syrian military have been arrested in the past with small amounts of drugs.

Syria was added to the Majors List in the late 1980's because opium in the Syrian-controlled Lebanese Biqa' Valley exceeded the threshold limits set by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. Estimates in 1991 determined that 3400 hectares were being used for opium production in the Biqa' valley. In 1992, Syria and Lebanon launched a successful eradication campaign which has been sustained to the present, reducing the cultivated area to approximately 150 hectares in recent estimates. The cultivation of cannabis, processed into hashish for primarily non-U.S. markets, was also reduced drastically during the same period. In recognition of these efforts, Syria was removed from the Majors List in 1997.

III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1999

Policy Initiatives. Syria's anti-trafficking law of 1993 calls for the death penalty for certain offenses. In practice, the maximum sentence is 30 years, however. Many cases are pending under this law, and there are on-going prosecutions of drug offenders. There are provisions for the seizure of assets financed by profits from the drug trade which are invoked on a case-by-case basis.

Law Enforcement Efforts. Movement of precursor chemicals through Syria is currently believed to occur on a small scale, and Syrian authorities have seized very small amounts of precursor chemicals in transit. In 1999 the Syrian government codified a 1996 plan to control these chemicals.

Syria cooperates closely with Lebanese authorities in the areas of interdiction, cultivation and production. In 1999, Syria also continued its cooperation with Jordan on narcotics matters. Syrian and Turkish officials have continued to cooperate on a limited basis.

Corruption. In the past there have been unconfirmed reports of corruption among some Syrian military officials in Lebanon involving the issuance of passes permitting the free movement of goods and persons in return for bribes. The SARG has an Investigations Administration (Internal Affairs Division) responsible for weeding out corrupt officers in the counternarcotics unit and the national police force. The Investigations Administration is independent of both the counternarcotics unit and the national police and reports directly to the Minister of the Interior. According to Syrian authorities, there were no arrests or prosecutions of officers in the counternarcotics unit for corruption in 1999.

Agreements and Treaties. Syria is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention and the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and its 1972 Protocol, as well as the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Syria maintains anti-drug agreements with Cyprus, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. In 1999 Syria renewed its anti-drug agreement with Saudi Arabia. In 1996, Syria signed a new agreement with Pakistan which called for increased information-sharing in the counternarcotics field. Syria and the U.S. do not have a narcotics agreement, nor is there an extradition treaty between the two countries. Syria is a member of INTERPOL.

Cultivation/Production. Authorities do not permit the cultivation and/or production of narcotics within Syria. They are generally successful in preventing narcotics cultivation/production.

Drug Flow/Transit. Syrian officials estimated that in 1999 the flow of narcotics transiting Syria and destined for other countries in the region was approximately 20 percent higher than in 1998. They said shipment of narcotics from Turkey continues to be a major challenge, and shipment of drugs to Jordan has surpassed that to Lebanon. Drug interdiction remains the focus of the Syrian counternarcotics effort.

Domestic Programs/Demand Reduction. Due to the social stigma attached to drug use and Syria's strict anti-trafficking law, the incidence of drug abuse in Syria is low. The SARG uses the media to educate the public on the dangers of drug use. Drug awareness remains part of the national curriculum for school children.

IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs

Policy Initiatives. In meetings with Syrian officials, the USG continues to stress the need for diligence in preventing narcotics and precursor chemicals from transiting Syrian territory; the need to work with the Lebanese government in dismantling drug laboratories in Syrian-controlled areas of Lebanon; and the necessity of terminating any involvement, active or passive, of individual Syrian officials in the drug trade.

Bilateral Cooperation. U.S. embassy officials in Damascus and DEA officials based in Nicosia maintain an ongoing dialogue with Syrian authorities in the counternarcotics unit. In addition, high-ranking U.S. Officials periodically share their views and recommendations with the Syrian ministries of foreign affairs and interior.

The Road Ahead. The USG will continue to press the Syrian government to maintain its commitment to combating drug transit and production in the region; to follow through on plans to enact anti-money laundering legislation; to encourage Syria to improve its counternarcotics cooperation with neighboring countries. The USG will also encourage Syrian officials to continue their work with their Lebanese counterparts to ensure that drug production in Lebanon is eliminated; to find and destroy drug processing laboratories in those areas where Syrian forces are present; and to work to minimize the involvement of Syrian officials in drug trafficking.

TANZANIA

I. Summary

Tanzania is located along trafficking routes from Asia and the Middle East to South Africa, Europe and the United States. Drugs like hashish, mandrax, cocaine, heroin, and opium have found their way into Tanzania, and through Tanzania's porous borders onwards. In addition, the domestic production of khat (a chewable, traditional stimulant used in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula) and cannabis is growing. As a result, drug abuse (mainly cannabis and khat) is increasing, especially among younger generations. Some money laundering happens in Tanzania, but a very weak financial sector and under-trained and under-funded law enforcement make it difficult to track and prosecute.

Tanzania is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention and, in conjunction with UNDCP, is seeking to address objectives of that Convention. Recent accomplishments include a high profile and successful master plan policy workshop and the establishment of an inter-ministerial anti-drug commission. However, Tanzania's government is unable to allocate the necessary resources to make these institutions effective and, despite public promises to combat graft, apparently unwilling/unable to put a stop to rampant corruption.

II. Status of Country

Until 1989, Tanzania's contact with drugs was largely limited to the traditional cultivation of Bhang (cannabis sativa) and khat in some parts of the mainland. Since then, the situation has changed dramatically and new drugs like hashish, mandrax, cocaine, heroin, and opium, have found their way into Tanzania, and through Tanzania's porous borders onwards.

In addition, the domestic production of khat and cannabis is growing. As a result, drug abuse (mainly cannabis and khat) is increasing, especially among younger generations. Harder drugs (mostly heroin) are used in small quantities within the wealthier classes. Recent reports indicate that crack cocaine has also been introduced to Tanzania. The growing tourism industry has created a larger demand for narcotics, and Tanzania has also become a victim of the familiar phenomenon that drugs transiting for elsewhere create a growing domestic market.

For criminals, Tanzania has a favorable geographic location along trafficking routes with numerous possible illegal points of entry. The drugs originate from Pakistan, India, Thailand, Burma, Iran, Syria, and South America en route to Europe, the United States and South Africa. They enter Tanzania by air, sea, roads and trains. Major ports of entry include airports in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro and sea ports at Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, as well as smaller ports like Tanga and Mtwara.

There are also strong indications of a drugs-arms connection in Tanzania linked with the arms demand in the Great Lakes region (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, etc.) There are few confirmed incidents of drugs which have transited Tanzania arriving in the U.S.

Country Actions Against Drugs in 1999

Tanzania is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention. Tanzania has also signed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Drug Control. The 1931 U.S.-UK Extradition Treaty was continued in force between Tanzania and the U.S. through a 1965 exchange of notes.

In 1995 Tanzania passed the Drugs and Prevention of Illicit Traffic and Drugs Act, which establishes severe punishments for the production and trafficking of narcotics. It stipulates long sentences, including life imprisonment, and forfeiture of property derived from or used in the illicit traffic. Offenses under this act are not bailable. A 1995 act of parliament also created the Inter-Ministerial Anti-Drug Commission (established in January 1997) to define, coordinate and promote Tanzania's national and sub-regional narcotics policies.

The GOT has recently put narcotics issues higher on the political agenda. President Mkapa has declared the government's "fight against drugs" involving the nine ministries that are party to the IADC, as well as five other ministries that work in close cooperation with the Commission. UNDCP assisted the Commission's national master plan policy workshop on drug control. The workshop was opened by the Prime Minister, who expressed a high degree of concern and commitment to narcotics issues. The results of the workshop are now being prepared for presentation to the parliament for approval.

Tanzania has two anti-drug police units of more than fifty officers (with twenty more currently enrolled in narcotics training courses), one on the mainland and one on Zanzibar. A structured cooperation between the drug police in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania has been established.

Through UNDCP, Tanzania receives technical cooperation that amounts to U.S. $700,000 for a multi-sectoral project that includes capacity building for law enforcement, institution building and demand reduction. Tanzania also receives UNDCP support to encourage regional cooperation on drug enforcement. The Organization of African Unity (OAU) has established its own drug control unit. The Southern African Development Community, of which Tanzania is also a member, has approved an anti-drug action plan and will appoint a drug advisor.

Traditional cultivation of bhang (cannabis sativa) and khat take place in remote parts of the country, mainly for domestic use. No figures exist, but police and government officials report that production is increasing. In March 1998, a device believed to be used in the production of mandrax was seized at Dar es Salaam port, originating from India. Mandrax trafficking along the East African coast to South Africa has diminished somewhat. It is unclear if this is because other drugs are being substituted, or if Mandrax is now being produced locally.

There has been no study of narcotics consumption, but UNDCP is in the progress of conducting a rapid-assessment study which should be ready in early 2000. In addition, the IADC is preparing to set-up a central databank to compile narcotics statistics. It is well-known that domestic demand is increasing due to both "spill-over" from trafficking and increased tourism. The tourist industry has brought Ecstasy to Zanzibar and police reports indicate that crack cocaine (crystalline form of cocaine for smoking) is now consumed locally.

Due to its geographical location and porous borders, ports and airports, Tanzania has become an important transit country for narcotics in Sub-Saharan Africa. Control at the ports is especially difficult as sophisticated forged documents are combined with poor controls and corrupt officials. Trafficking through private mail-courier companies is becoming more common. In addition, a growing number of Tanzanians are arrested abroad for serving as drug couriers.

Due to lack of resources and corruption among local officials, only small amounts of narcotics are seized. For example, the Tanzanian Coast Guard which is responsible for a large portion of Tanzania's borders including the Indian Ocean, Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Malawi, and others, has only one functional boat, which was donated by the British High Commission in 1998.

Police and government officials report that money laundering occurs in Tanzania, but to date, there have been no prosecutions for drug-related money laundering. However, officials assert that real estate investments and used/stolen cars are areas where money laundering is no doubt present. Money laundering is an illegal act under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Pursuits of Crime Act.

IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs

The USG has supported the training of a number of Tanzanian enforcement officers, and hopes to do more training in the region, after a regional International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) is established for Africa. In 1999, Tanzanian police officials attended a South African regional drug enforcement seminar with U.S. DEA trainers funded by the State Department. The U.S. FBI also conducted two one-week training seminars on major case management for one hundred Tanzanian police officers. In June, fifteen Criminal Investigations Department and Tanzanian Intelligence and Security Service officers attended a counter-surveillance course in Richmond, Virginia. In November, an inspector from the anti-narcotics unit attended a three-week course in the United States on narcotics and contraband interdiction. The U.S. will continue to cooperate with Tanzania to improve law enforcement skills , and the administration of justice.

TOGO

I. Summary

In 1999, Togo took several aggressive steps in the direction of confronting a growing drug trafficking problem. Togo began enforcing punitive measures outlined in its tough anti-drug law, passed in 1998. If Togo continues in this direction, and all indications suggest that it will, then improvement in the trafficking/abuse situation will surely follow. Togo is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.

II. Status of Country

Togo is not a drug producing country. Togo is a significant narcotic transit point for other African states and for Europe. There are no clear indications that Togo is a significant transit point to the U.S.

There are some indications of an art export/narcotics connection. Togo has no antiquity laws or restrictions on the export of African art. As a result, African art is one of Togo's few flourishing industries. A large number of major European and American African art dealers visit Togo for the specific purpose of buying African art. There have been some reports that traffickers have used "art-dealer cover" to facilitate trafficking.

III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1999:

Togo is working slowly, but diligently, to meet the goals and objectives of the 1988 UN Drug Convention. In 1998 Togo passed a very strict anti-drug law, which provided for stiff financial penalties, long sentences, and asset seizures and forfeitures for anyone knowingly involved in the facilitation of illegal drug activities. This new law contained two major procedural changes. The first procedural change delegated primary authority for the criminal investigation and interdiction aspect of drug trafficking to the national police. The second change allowed GOT officials to remove representative samples of contraband for evidence either in the presence of the offender or in his absence. Seized drugs must be destroyed as quickly as possible. Togo does not have an extradition treaty with the United States, but there have been indications the GOT is amenable in cooperating with the U.S. on law enforcement issues.

There is no seizure data as yet for 1999, but seizures were down sharply during 1998 in comparison to 1997. The GOT simply does not have the resources to stop the exporting of drugs. Corruption, poor training and government disorganization only add to the problem.

Official arrest statistics for narcotics-related crimes during 1999, broken down by type of drug, are as follows:

Several of those arrested were put on national television to inform the general public that dealing in drugs was not appropriate employment. In another case, three individuals arrested at the Tokian International Airport for drugs offenses had their pictures published in the local press.

The National Drug Committee developed a proactive program similar to DARE in the United States, which is now beginning to gain momentum. Through the creative use of football (soccer) clubs around the country, the National Drug Committee has been spreading the word to the youth in- country about the hazards of using illicit drugs. T-shirts sporting anti-drug slogans, brochures and other prizes are awarded to the winners of athletic events. Anti-drug posters are also appearing more frequently at Togo's international airport.

The GOT sponsored a conference on drug-free prisons. It seems that Togo suffers from similar problems to those one finds in U.S. prisons: Visitors bring in illicit drugs, and prisoners with the financial means to corrupt minor prison officials. The Rotary Club of Lome also organized a conference for local dock workers during which the commander of the national anti-drug committee spoke on the dangers of drug abuse.

IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs

The U.S. is working to establish a regional International Law Enforcement Academy(ILEA) for Africa, which would go a long way to improving the competence and esprit of narcotics law enforcement officers throughout the African Continent.

TUNISIA

I. Summary

Tunisia's role as a drug transshipment point is limited, and its government works closely with neighboring states and with international bodies to interdict shipments. Tunisia has only a minor domestic demand problem, which may be growing, especially among high school and university students, and the mostly European tourist market. The use of drugs such as heroin and cocaine, historically virtually unknown, has increased in recent years but remains limited. The government took action against users and traffickers in 1999. In two separate trials in January 1998, the Government of Tunisia (GOT) convicted 35 users and traffickers to sentences ranging from five to 46 years in prison. In July, Tunisian officials arrested 87 Tunisians and foreign citizens accused of being part of a drug ring centered in the southern port city of Sfax; they await trial. The GOT has an active anti-drug education program with a special focus on youth. There is no counternarcotics agreement between the U.S. and Tunisia. Tunisia is a Party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention, and participates in international counternarcotics efforts. Cooperation with DEA and French narcotics law enforcement liaison officers is excellent.

II. Status Of The Country

Tunisia is not a significant drug transshipment or consumption point, and does not play a significant role in money laundering or precursor chemical production. While consumption of hard drugs was previously virtually unknown, in recent years there has been some increase in drug use, including use of cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana and cannabis, primarily at high schools and universities and at tourist resorts. There is no reliable information about whether scattered production of cannabis in northern Tunisia, which had been legally cultivated for local use in pre-independence Tunisia, continues.

III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1999

While Tunisia does not have a significant drug problem, the GOT was active in counternarcotics efforts. On January 7, 1999, the appeals court of Tunis announced sentences ranging from five to 46 years in prison for ten persons convicted of using and trafficking in cocaine. On January 12, the appeals court of Tunis sentenced 23 persons in what the press called the "Vap Bon Gang" (referring to the peninsula southeast of Tunis where they were active) for the use and distribution of marijuana and hashish. In this case, prison terms range from one to seven years. An additional three people were found innocent, and three of the 23 persons found guilty were tried in absentia and remain in hiding. In July, the Government arrested 87 people and seized hashish valued at 700,000 dinars ($593,000) in an alleged drug ring centered in the southern port city of Sfax. These people, who await trial, are accused of selling hashish-filled cigarettes to high school students. In December, the court of Tunis will begin appeal hearings on a case involving 139 persons accused of drug-related offences which was tried in December 1998.

Regarding international counternarcotics efforts, there is no UN drug control program presence in Tunisia. There is no U.S.-Tunisia bilateral narcotics agreement.

IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs

The USG supports Tunisian counternarcotics efforts and seeks Tunisian support for US international anti-narcotics initiatives, such as at the annual meeting of the Committee on Narcotics Drugs (CND) in Vienna. There has been no recent USG assistance to the GOT on counternarcotics matters. In the past, the USG provided narcotics-related training assistance in maritime security for Tunisian customs officials.

UGANDA

I. Summary

Uganda operates primarily as a transit country for drugs destined for the European, South African, and to a lesser extent, the United States and Canadian markets. There has been an increase in local consumption of illicit drugs. Heroin, cocaine and cannabis are the drugs of choice for international trafficking. With the exception of cannabis, most drugs enter the country through a variety of portals, including the international airport at Entebbe and, increasingly, overland from Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. A secondary route is by boat via Lake Victoria. Due to the huge area involved, Uganda cannot effectively police the shoreline. Foreign nationals are largely involved in this trade, although increasingly Ugandan nationals are being recruited.

Uganda is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention, the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances and the 1961 UN Single Convention and its 1972 Protocol. Law enforcement agencies, however, have little capability to deal with drug-related crime and trafficking due to extremely limited resources and an inefficient judicial system hampered by ineffective laws. Uganda's narcotic drug and psychotropic drug bill is scheduled to be debated in the next secession of parliament. Enacting this bill will create a basis in law for the law enforcement and judicial system to combat drug distribution and drug related crimes, but they both will remain hampered by the resource problems mentioned above.

Uganda is not a major hard-drug consuming country. Local cannabis cultivation and consumption is a problem. Money laundering is thought to occur, but there are no good estimates of the amounts involved.

II. Status of Country

Uganda is unlikely to become a significant drug producer or precursor chemical producing center in the short-to-medium term. It remains a low-level transit country, with drug seizures increasing. There is little doubt some money laundering takes place. Police authorities believe money laundering may have contributed to the collapse of one local bank.

III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1999

In December 1998, Uganda signed an MOU with Nigeria for cooperation in combating illicit drug trade. Uganda supports and intends to sign the protocol for East African regional cooperation in combating illicit drugs, which is scheduled to be signed in Arusha in July 2000. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda hold rotational bi-annual operational meetings focusing on regional cooperation.

Illicit Cultivation. Cannabis for local consumption is grown in southern, western, and eastern Uganda. Some is sold in neighboring countries and there is now evidence that Ugandan grown cannabis is appearing in European markets.

Production. There is no manufacture of other drugs, but there is a possibility that chemicals used in the manufacture of Mandrax are being imported. This danger becomes more real to Uganda as Uganda's domestic pharmaceutical industry increases production . Many precursor chemicals for the licit industry can be misused to produce illicit drugs. The Ugandan authorities are taking steps to monitor the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Traffic/Transit. Most drugs transiting Uganda come in by plane, boat and overland through the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders. In the past, Nigerians were most prominently involved, but more recent arrests have included Kenyans and Ugandans. Twelve foreigners were arrested this year for drug smuggling.

Agreements/Treaties. Uganda is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention, the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1961 UN Single Convention and its 1972 Protocol. There is no bilateral extradition treaty between the U.S. and Uganda. However, Uganada has extradition agreements with commonwealth countries, and presently an extradition is being arranged from Tanzania to Uganda. The case involves a Nigerian living in Kenya to be brought back to Uganda for distributing cocaine.

Law Enforcement. Ugandan law enforcement agencies are eager to cooperate with international interdiction efforts, but are poorly funded and trained. The anti- narcotics unit has increased from 70 to 100 active officers dedicated to the entire country. The situation is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future as Uganda concentrates it's extremely limited security and police resources on combating domestic insurgencies. The police force suffers from inadequate funding, resources, training, pay, and benefits. The average police officer is paid $40 U.S. per month. Top ranking police officials average $500 U.S. per month. INTERPOL, UNDCP, and the German and British governments have provided legal assistance and limited training to the Ugandan authorities. The Germans have presented courses on intelligence gathering and sharing, the legal system, strengthening mutual assistance, and money laundering.

A national drug control plan is under review and is scheduled to be part of the narcotics crime bill implementation planning.

Seizures:

Demand Reduction. Illicit drug consumers appear to be "casual labor" and centered around urban areas. Drug abuse in Uganda is viewed as a problem of the poorer class. Local authorities attribute some of the rising trend in crime as being related to illicit drug activity.

Uganda has a small hard drug consumer problem, but the drug of choice in Uganda is cannabis. The narcotics unit of the government is continuing it's public awareness campaign with a focus on schools.

Road Ahead. Uganda needs assistance with police training and judicial reform, but the will of the current government is excellent and many of the basics for continuing improvement are in place.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

I. Summary

Although not a narcotics producing nation, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has all the characteristics of a potential major transshipment point for illegal narcotics emanating from south and southwest Asia. It is located at the crossroads of southwest Asian trade routes, in close proximity to the drug-producing countries of India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, and is in a region with porous borders and coastlines. The UAE is also situated in a region full of affluent consumers and utilizes a domestic banking system in which money laundering is not illegal. These factors, combined with the country's role as a "free-trade" zone and regional hub for international air travel, lead many to speculate that narcotics transshipment is endemic. However, neither the USG nor the UAEG has hard evidence to support these suspicions at this time.

In 1999, the UAE Government (UAEG) released previously unpublished statistics on narcotics seizures and domestic addiction problems. These statistics reveal a domestic drug problem among UAE and third-country nationals which, while not significant by world standards, is remarkable given the country's harsh drug laws. The overwhelming majority of drug seizures have netted hashish, not heroin and opium. The UAE Ministry of Interior's Federal Drug Administration (DEA) is tasked with coordinating drug enforcement efforts for the seven emirates which comprise the UAE as well as executing the country's anti-drug strategy. The UAE government is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention and is committed to the fight against international narcotics trafficking and narcotics abuse.

II. Status of Country

A major regional financial center and hub for commercial shipping and trade, the UAE is a transshipment country for illegal narcotics from south and southwest Asia to international markets and serves as a transshipment point for precursor chemicals destined for production areas in southwest Asia. Illicit narcotics, originating from southwest Asia, has reached the United States through the UAE, but not in significant quantities.

The majority of this illegal trafficking is presumed to occur in the northern emirates, i.e., Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah). This is due to the sustained commercial and financial growth of the Emirate of Dubai; the location of the country's "free zones" in the north; and the emergence of Dubai and Sharjah as regional centers in transportation of passengers and cargo, respectively.

The absence of money laundering legislation, which is reportedly drafted but not yet approved, leaves the UAE in an increasingly vulnerable position as a target for money laundering by narcotics traffickers and criminal organizations.

III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1999

Policy Initiatives. The UAEG co-hosted a drug conference with the UNDCP, where it presented its national drug control strategy. Of special significance was the two-pronged approach targeting reductions in both the supply of and demand for illegal drugs. Major supply reduction initiatives are as follows: the formation of a counternarcotics force within the UAE coast guard; the establishment of special drug task forces throughout the emirates; the registration of convicted drug offenders in a central database to deny entry at border points; assignment of specially trained counternarcotics officers to all border points to profile potential traffickers; increased cooperation with neighboring countries regarding information exchange and drug seizures; the monitoring of precursor chemicals to ensure their legitimate use; and the signing of anti-narcotics agreements with Pakistan and India. A national drug demand reduction plan is also being formulated. This plan is expected to seek to assure that all UAE citizens are gainfully employed, are provided with incentives to lead stable family-oriented lives, and are provided with financial incentives to cooperate with police in detecting drug crimes. In conjunction with reducing demand the UAEG has established drug treatment centers for addicts.

UAE drug enforcement representatives attended the 1999 United Nations Special Session on Narcotics. The UAEG has been extremely receptive to USG training on money laundering and asset forfeiture and welcomes training programs with U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency personnel.

Law enforcement Efforts. In 1998, the UAE government established its first regional narcotics liaison office in Islamabad, Pakistan, and is currently evaluating an initiative to establish a network of liaison offices. UAE officials have identified a need for a data center to coordinate narcotics-related information throughout the UAE and have taken preliminary measures to establish a countrywide database. Approximately eighty percent of the UAE population is comprised of third-country nationals or "guest workers" who, when convicted of narcotics offenses, generally receive prison sentences. Upon completion of their sentences, they are deported from the UAE.

Strict adherence to enforcement of drug offenses continues. The average sentence for individuals convicted of drug usage in the UAE is four years. In 1999, the death sentence was imposed on a Canadian citizen for possession with intent to distribute narcotics. A UAE court commuted this sentence to life in prison. The Canadian citizen was arrested for possessing 5.54 grams of heroin, 1.2 grams of hashish, and 25 drug tablets (not further identified). This illustrates the severity of drug sentences in the UAE. However, to date, no executions for drug crimes have been carried out. Local media report the street value of one kilogram of Pakistani hashish (Cost in Pakistan $9) to be $4658 in Abu Dhabi and $3288 in Dubai, so the incentive for trafficking remains strong, even in the face of stiff penalties.

The UAE has a dedicated precursor chemical unit that pursues investigative leads and is active in stopping illicit chemical shipments.

Corruption. UAE officials aggressively pursue and arrest individuals involved in illegal narcotics trafficking and/or abuse. There is no evidence that corruption of public officials is a problem in the UAE.

Agreements and Treaties. There is currently no extradition or mutual legal assistance treaty (MLAT) between the United States and the UAE. The UAE is a party to the 1998 UN Drug Convention. The UAE is also a party to other multilateral or bilateral counternarcotics agreements. Recently announced were two agreements with Pakistan and India as well as a number of memoranda of understanding with other governments, including the UK and the U.S. involving information exchange. The UAEG cooperates with the U.S. on law enforcement issues.

Cultivation/Production. There is no evidence of drug cultivation and/or production in the UAE.

Drug Flow/Transit. Although no official countrywide statistics are available in the public domain, unofficial source information indicates that narcotics smuggling from south and southwest Asia to Europe and the United States via the UAE is increasing. Most drug transit is from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. Hashish, heroin, and opium shipments originate in south and southwest Asia and are smuggled in cargo containers, via small vessels and powerboats, and/or trucked overland via Oman. UAE officials made further progress in eliminating the flow of narcotics by small watercraft in 1999. A ban on powerboats in UAE ports has effectively shut down speedboat smugglers from Iran. Successful shallow-water interdictions have forced narcotics traffickers to seek alternate smuggling routes, specifically Oman's long 1,500 km coastline, for overland transport across the UAE/Oman border. Recognizing these developments, the UAEG has increased border patrols, utilizing enhanced monitoring equipment. As legitimate commercial trade via the UAE intensifies, the likelihood of additional illegal smuggling increases.

Recognizing the need for increased monitoring at their commercial shipping ports and borders, the UAEG is making efforts to tighten inspections of cargo containers transiting the UAE. (Over two million containers entered the emirate of Dubai in 1998.) Customs officials are randomly searching containers and following up leads of suspicious cargo. The UAEG is in the process of procuring state-of-the-art equipment which allows for rapid, thorough searches of shipping containers and vehicles.

Domestic Programs (Demand Reduction). The focus of the UAEG's domestic program is demand reduction via public awareness campaigns directed at young people and the establishment of rehabilitation centers. UAE officials believe that adherence to Islamic mores as well as imposing severe prison sentences for individuals convicted of drug offenses serve as a deterrent to narcotics abuse. Although UAE authorities state that domestic narcotics consumption is not a major problem, they acknowledge an increase in narcotics usage among the local population. The UAE government has established an extensive drug treatment and rehabilitation program for its citizens. In accordance with federal law no. 1511995, which stipulates that addicts who present themselves to the police or a rehabilitation center are exempt from the punishment usually imposed for narcotics offenses, UAE nationals who suffer from narcotics addiction undergo a two-year drug rehabilitation program which includes family counseling/therapy.

IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs.

U.S. Policy Initiatives. U.S. Government policy seeks continued and enhanced cooperation with the government of the UAE on programs against narcotics trafficking, precursor chemical diversion, and money laundering. The USG is considering additional USG training and exchange programs for law enforcement and banking personnel in the UAE.

Road Ahead. The USG will continue to support the UAE government's efforts to devise and employ bilateral/ multilateral strategies against illicit narcotics trafficking and money laundering. The USG will encourage the UAEG to focus enforcement efforts on dismantling major trafficking organizations and prosecuting their leaders, and to enact money laundering and asset forfeiture and seizure legislation.

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