|
|
|
U.S. Department of State
1996 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, March 1997
United States Department of State
Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
CROATIA
I. Summary
Croatian authorities increasingly are concerned about a rise in drug
trafficking and drug use in Croatia. Of particular concern is the possibility
of the rejuvenation of Balkan route variants which crossed a large part of
Croatia's territory. To respond to the growing threat, the Ministry of
Interior reorganized the criminal police and established a new Narcotics
Division. Smaller drug divisions and units have been established in every
police department throughout the country. The Narcotics Division has
developed an action plan and a national strategy to combat drug abuse;it is
actively training relevant officials. Croatia is a party to the 1988 UN
Convention.
II. Status of Country
Croatia, with its extensive coast line, geographic location, and limited
resources for patrolling its coast, offers great possibilities for
transshipping narcotics. Variants of the Balkan route crossed a large part of
Croatian territory prior to the war in the former Yugoslavia. With the
lifting of the Yugoslav embargo in 1996, narcotics traffickers are
increasingly using the southern portion of the route from Turkey through
Bulgaria to Serbia. They may seek to use legs from Serbia through Croatia to
West European markets. There are indications that the amount of narcotics
transiting Croatia are increasing. There are also indications that the number
of persons using drugs is increasing, particularly in the major urban areas
(Zagreb, Split, Osijek, and Rijeka).
Croatian authorities are concerned that Croatia's banking sector, which is
being reformed, may be vulnerable to money laundering. Ineffective
legislation hampers enforcement efforts and prosecutions. However, the
parliament is considering a law to improve the government's ability to
investigate and prosecute money laundering.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1996
Policy Initiatives. The Government of Croatia (GOC) reorganized the
criminal police within the Ministry of Interior to combat the increasing
narcotics threat. A new Narcotics Division was formed within the Ministry and
smaller drug divisions and units were established in every police department
throughout the country. The Narcotics Division has established cooperative
relationships with Interpol, and counterparts in Slovenia, Italy, Germany, the
former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Hungary, and the US. Law enforcement
contacts expanded with several other nations, including China, Bulgaria,
Greece, and Pakistan. The Ministry of Interior established a counternarcotics
action plan. With the participation of other relevant ministries, it also
developed a national strategy to combat drug abuse.
Parliament amended the penal code to make possession of any quantity of
narcotic drugs a criminal offense. However, efforts to interdict drugs have
been hindered by inadequate legal provisions permitting undercover operations,
use of controlled deliveries, and technical collection of evidence (i.e. audio
and video recording).
Accomplishments. The GOC has established controls on the newly reopened
Zagreb/Belgrade highway to inhibit renewed use of the route for the transit of
narcotics. There is little indication of increased narcotics transiting the
highway, which was an important transshipment route prior to Yugoslavia's
dissolution. The GOC also has placed stringent controls on the entry of
drug-essential chemicals into Croatia.
Law Enforcement Efforts. GOC officials claim a marked improvement in
Croatia's counternarcotics capabilities with the assigning of at least one
officer for narcotics matters at every police station. Law enforcement
efforts focussed on arresting users and suppliers and confiscating narcotics.
Corruption. There have been allegations of corruption within senior levels
of the ruling party and government, but none of these allegations have linked
officials to narcotics-related corruption.
Agreements and Treaties. Croatia is a party to the 1988 UN Convention.
Cultivation/Production. Some cannabis is cultivated in Croatia, but it is
unlikely Croatia will become a significant source of cannabis or other
narcotics.
Drug Flow/Transit. Croatian officials are concerned that the consolidation
of peace in the region may result in the resurgence of the Balkan route.
Although they have hindered the flow of narcotics on the Zagreb/Belgrade
highway, they have not established such controls on the Bosnia/Croatia border
in southern Croatia (Dalmatia), and there has been an increase in narcotics
seized in the Dalmatia region.
Domestic Programs (Demand Reduction). The Ministry of Health, with
primary responsibility for domestic programs, has established some demand
reduction programs. The Ministry of Education requires drug education
programs in elementary and secondary schools. The state-run National Medical
System also offers treatment programs for drug users.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Bilateral Cooperation. The USG urged increased GOC
attention to the drug issue. Our efforts focused on identifying existing
problems and possible areas of assistance. At the request of Croatian
authorities, DEA conducted a two-week training seminar for senior
counternarcotics police officials. The US Customs Service conducted a
two-day seminar on money laundering. The US Coast Guard conducted an
assessment of the GOC's current ability and future requirements to control
Croatia's coast to include combatting drug trafficking.
The Road Ahead. Drug trafficking through Croatia is likely to increase in
1997, increasing the opportunities for organized crime involvement and money
laundering. Over the next year, the USG will encourage the GOC to expand its
drug control activities, and to establish the necessary legislative and
institutional capabilities to support such activities. We also hope to train
Croatian additional counternarcotics officials, and to build stronger ties to
the GOC institutions combatting narcotics.
|
