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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
MALTA
I. Summary
Malta does not produce narcotics or precursor chemicals used to manufacture
drugs. The Maltese Government has on-going programs to train local officials
in drug abuse treatment and prevention methods. The Government of Malta (GOM)
seeks to deter drug trafficking through random roadblocks, screening of
airline passengers, and other law enforcement efforts, but it is hampered by a
lack of law enforcement personnel, material resources and an out-dated legal
code. The GOM requests and accepts assistance from other countries, primarily
in the area of training for Customs, Police or military officials. Malta is a
party to the 1988 UN Convention, but needs to enact better legislation to meet
the Convention's requirements.
II. Status of Country
The GOM does not maintain statistics on drug use. However, Maltese
authorities believe cannabis is the most widely used drug, although a small
but growing number of citizens use heroin. Despite its status as a major
offshore center and the presence of a free port, Maltese authorities state
they have uncovered no evidence of money laundering. The GOM has asset
seizure laws, but prosecutors must prove that the assets are the proceeds of
drug sales (or other illegal activity). Malta is not a producer or importer
of precursor chemicals. Maltese authorities have no evidence of money
laundering. The GOM did not report any assets derived from illicit drug
activity seized in 1996.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1996
Policy Initiatives. In February, Malta became a party to the 1988 UN
Convention. The new Maltese Government elected in October is reviewing the
country's drug situation and assessing current antidrug laws and policies.
The new Prime Minister has made statements emphasizing the importance his
government places on aggressively combatting drug use and the GOM's commitment
to deter and control illicit drug activity.
In April, the GOM co-sponsored a DEA regional counternarcotics training
seminar. Twelve Maltese officials participated in the two-week program.
Accomplishments. Maltese authorities seized a seven-ton shipment of
marijuana which traffickers were transferring through Malta's free port, a
major container handler in the Mediterranean. The container originated in
Singapore and was destined for Romania. Maltese authorities worked closely
with other European law enforcement authorities that provided the intelligence
necessary to locate the container.
Enforcement Efforts. Maltese police and armed forces work aggressively to
stop illicit drug activities. They work closely with other governments' law
enforcement authorities, including those of the US. GOM authorities arrested
735 people during 800 drug raids which resulted in the seizure of 171 gms of
cocaine, 2.6 kgs of heroin, 7.2 mt of cannabis and approximately 100 marijuana
plants. Authorities also seized very small quantities of LSD, ecstasy, and
other synthetic drugs.
Corruption. Narcotics-related corruption is not considered to be a problem
in Malta.
Agreements and Treaties. Malta is a party to the 1988 UN Convention. The
GOM meets some of the Convention's goals and objectives, but it requires
changes in legislation in chemical and financial controls to meet fully the
Conventions's goals and objectives. Malta is a party to 1961 UN Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, as amended by its 1972 Protocol. The
extradition treaty between the UK and the US signed in 1931 and which became
applicable to Malta in 1935, remains in force. There were no cases of
extraditions between the US and Malta in 1996.
Cultivation/Production. The only known production of drug crops is the
small-scale cultivation of marijuana for personal use.
Drug Flow/Transit. Maltese authorities believe that most of the narcotics
transiting Malta enter in containerized cargo through the free port destined
to other parts of Europe. Authorities also believe smaller drug shipments
arrive by couriers aboard commercial aircraft or aboard pleasure craft.
Demand Reduction/Domestic Programs. The GOM's government-funded agency
SEDQA runs awareness and drug education programs in the school system, and is
responsible for coordinating all demand reduction activities. It has a budget
of approximately $2 million.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
US and Maltese law enforcement authorities work closely on joint
counternarcotics investigations. The GOM and the US co-sponsored a two-week
regional training seminar in 1996. The USG funded the travel of two senior
GOM counternarcotics officials to the US to learn about investigative and
demand reduction techniques. The US will continue to offer opportunities for
training to senior Maltese officials.
The Road Ahead. The USG looks forward to good law enforcement cooperation
with Maltese authorities, and will encourage Maltese participation in
drug-related training programs.
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