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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
HUNGARY
I. Summary
Hungary is an important transit country for illicit drug smuggling to Western
Europe. Drug seizures leveled off after increasing dramatically earlier in
the decade. However, Government of Hungary (GOH) officials are concerned that
although domestic drug use has not reached West European levels, there is a
steady increase in domestic consumption of illegal drugs overall, and a sharp
increase in the use of amphetamines and psychotropic substances, particularly
ecstasy and LSD. The GOH developed a National Drug Policy and is currently
reviewing demand reduction programs in the US and European Union. In February
1996, the Hungarian Parliament ratified the 1988 UN Convention. The GOH plans
to exchange instruments of ratification for the recently signed Mutual Legal
Assistance Treat (MLAT) and Extradition Treaty, both of which were ratified by
the US in January 1997.
II. Status of Country
Hungary is an important conduit for drug traffickers smuggling heroin from
Southwest Asia to Western Europe. This role reflects a shift in smuggling
patterns from the former Yugoslavia in response to continued instability in
the Balkans. Seizures of heroin dropped to 319 kgs in 1996. Cocaine seizures
at Budapest's Ferihegy airport totalled 5 kgs in 1996. Nigerian traffickers
are believed to be using Hungary as a transit point for drugs.
Although GOH officials believe that most of the drugs entering Hungary are
destined for transit and consumption in the more lucrative Western European
markets, there is evidence of a worsening domestic drug problem. Use of the
designer drug ecstasy, LSD and marijuana increased in the last year. Some
Hungarian officials believe that the use of cocaine and heroin has declined
due to the high retail costs of these drugs. Domestic production of marijuana
is a minor problem.
According to GOH officials, despite its well-developed chemical industry,
Hungary is not a significant source of precursor and essential chemicals. The
GOH has begun to establish a regulatory regime to control trade of
precursor/essential chemicals.
Hungary is also vulnerable to money laundering by drug traffickers. Although
money laundering was made a crime in Hungary in 1994, it is difficult for
authorities to determine its extent because of poor controls in the banking
system.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1996
Policy Initiatives. Hungary is taking steps to develop a more effective
national drug policy. In February 1996, Hungary ratified the 1988 UN
Convention and passed legislation to further harmonize Hungarian narcotics
efforts with the European Union and individual European countries. GOH
narcotics policy is coordinated by the Inter-ministerial Drug Committee (IDC)
through the Ministry of Welfare. The IDC policy developed in 1995 focuses on
establishing controls over precursor chemicals, developing effective drug
treatment programs, and combatting money laundering and drug trafficking. The
IDC manages the Hungarian demand reduction program, which focus on drug
treatment programs.
Corruption. While the GOH does not have specific laws to address
narcotics-related corruption, there is little evidence that it is currently
a significant problem in Hungary. Moreover, the USG is unaware of cases of
narcotics-related corruption.
Agreements and Treaties. As noted, the GOH ratified the 1988 UN
Convention in February 1996. Hungary is also a party to the 1961 UN Single
Convention as amended by the 1972 Protocol, and the 1971 UN Convention on
Psychotropic Substances. The USG and GOH are exchanging instruments of
ratification for the Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition treaties in 1997.
There is also a US-Hungary customs agreements which has been in force since
1993.
Cultivation/Production. There is relatively small-scale illicit
cultivation of low-grade marijuana, and legal cultivation of opium poppy
(approximately 5,500 hectares of licensed farms) in Hungary. The GOH made no
significant eradication efforts in 1996. Hungarian authorities believe that
amphetamines, ecstasy, and LSD are produced in limited amounts for sale in
domestic markets.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Policy Initiatives. USG policy in Hungary focused on supporting
Hungarian counternarcotics efforts through training and cooperation. The USG
worked closely with the GOH to develop and finance the International Law
Enforcement Academy (ILEA), which opened in Budapest in 1995. The curriculum
includes a significant component on counternarcotics. In 1996, 65 Hungarians
were trained at ILEA. INL also provided a community demand reduction
assistance program.
The Road Ahead. The US will encourage Hungary to expand its drug control
activities and to implement the 1988 UN Convention. The USG will also
encourage support for law enforcement and demand reduction assistance for the
GOH, primarily from Western European nations which are most directly affected
by the drug problems in this region. In 1997, the US will provide limited law
enforcement equipment and other antidrug-related assistance to Hungary.
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