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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
TURKMENISTAN
I. Summary
The illicit drug industry uses Turkmenistan as a conduit to smuggle illicit
drugs to the West and precursor and essential chemicals to the East, to open
new markets, and to cultivate opium. The greatest challenge to the Government
of Turkmenistan (GOT) is from international drug smugglers seeking to move
opium and/or heroin from Afghanistan to markets in Western Europe and
precursor chemicals, like acetic anhydride, to Southwest Asia. The expansion
of the conflict in Afghanistan has exacerbated these problems. Turkmenistan
officials are concerned that domestic drug cultivation and use appear to be on
the rise, although statistics on both are limited. The growing number of
casinos and foreign-run luxury hotels increases Turkmenistan's vulnerability
to money laundering activities associated with the narcotics trade, although
no official cases have been reported. The GOT is increasing its attention to
drug control, but efforts to develop a response to the increased trafficking
through the region are slow. The Government of Turkmenistan acceded to the
1988 UN Convention on June 18, 1996.
II. Status of Country
Health authorities indicate that domestic narcotics consumption is not
currently a major problem. Traditional cultivation and use of opium poppy,
and the lack of sufficient resources to monitor the borders, make Turkmenistan
increasingly vulnerable, however. Turkmenistan health authorities have
indicated that there is a small domestic opium addict population, but they do
not have statistics on use. Opium was traditionally smoked, brewed or
processed into a beverage for celebrations, medicine, or daily use by tribal
peoples. They believe that many opium users in urban areas now inject
opiates. Intravenous opium use in rural areas, once practically non-existent,
is also increasing. There is an increasing use of marijuana, but it is still
at relatively low levels.
Seizure patterns indicate that opium from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan
and Iran transits Turkmenistan en route to markets in Russia, Turkey and
Western Europe. Direct air routes now link Ashgabat with Tehran, Istanbul,
Karachi, Dushanbe, Tashkent, Moscow, and Frankfurt. A railway line connecting
Turkmenistan to Iran was officially opened in 1996, with much fanfare, and
currently is open for cargo traffic. There is a steady increase in truck
transport to Europe.
Turkmen officials are very concerned about the transit through Turkmenistan of
licit chemicals for the production of illicit drugs such as heroin, although
they reported no major seizures of the chemicals.
Local traffickers control narcotics sales and distribution, according to
Turkmen authorities. Opium is bartered by local traffickers for necessities,
such as bread and fuel. Authorities believe that the higher incidence of
drugs being smuggled into the country from Iran and Afghanistan could also
fuel increased domestic drug use. Local production of opium, likely
cultivated on small plots, may also be a factor, according to health
officials. Officials are also concerned about an increase in domestic drug
use resulting from the on-going war in Afghanistan; its disruptions and
displacement of people could facilitate the importation into Turkmenistan of
greater quantities of illegal narcotics.
Turkmen authorities are concerned that crime groups may be laundering funds
through casinos and hotels. For example, the two foreign-owned luxury hotels
in Ashgabat are owned by the family of an individual with a prior conviction
for heroin trafficking in the US.
The manufacture, possession, sale and use of illicit narcotics are illegal
under the criminal code, which also includes a provision for confiscating
illegally acquired property. No formal asset forfeiture law exists.
III. Country Actions Against Narcotics in 1996
Policy Initiatives. GOT progress in developing an effective antidrug
campaign was hampered by a lack of funds, personnel, equipment and training in
all of the governmental components responsible for drug interdiction. There
has been no movement on a previous GOT plan to formulate a national drug
policy and develop a government coordinating committee on drug issues. In
addition, there has been action on a proposal to merge the Border Guards,
Customs and certain internal affairs and security functions into a "Ministry
of Border Security."
The GOT's existing antidrug programs focus on enforcement and interdiction, as
well as some educational demand-reduction initiatives through the schools.
Despite limited enforcement resources, the GOT seized cargoes of Afghan opium
and Pakistani hashish bound for Russia, Turkey and west Europe in cars,
trucks, and train cars. Drug enforcement efforts in 1996 resulted in the
seizure of two metric tons of opium, 12 tons of hashish and an undisclosed
amount of heroin. Concern about drug trafficking across the Afghan border has
led to an increased deployment of border troops in the region of Kushka.
Corruption. The USG has received no reports of Turkmen government officials
involved in drug-related activities in Turkmenistan during the year. However,
with economic disruption still widespread, there is danger of
narcotics-related corruption.
Agreements and Treaties. On June 18, Turkmenistan acceded to the 1988 UN
Convention, the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and its 1972
Protocol, and the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. There are no
counternarcotics bilateral agreements between Turkmenistan and other nations.
Turkmenistan does not have an extradition treaty with the US. Turkmen
counternarcotics officers indicate that drug offenders have been extradited to
Afghanistan and that agreements are in place with other successor states of
the former Soviet Republics to extradite drug offenders.
Cultivation/Production. Although cultivation of opium is illegal in
Turkmenistan, it is grown in remote mountain and desert areas; there are no
statistics on the extent of such cultivation are available. Turkmen
authorities report that most opium poppy is cultivated along the Iranian
border in the Ahal Velayat, which includes Ashgabat, and in the eastern
regions of Lebap and Mary provinces. There is some processing of opium gum
and poppy straw extract for domestic consumption. Cannabis also is grown in
Turkmenistan.
Domestic Programs/Demand Reduction. The Ministry of Health operates a
limited drug and alcoholism treatment program, including an addiction referral
center. The addiction center is seeking to create an antidrug educational
curriculum and conduct research on the causes of drug abuse. There is some
government concern, however, that the prevention programs could create
increased interest in drug use. The Ministry of Interior (MVD) has a program
that allows convicted drug users to be paroled with the stipulation that they
remain under MVD supervision for one year. Each region also has in- and
out-patient narcotics treatment clinics, which are adequate for current needs.
IV. US Policy Initiatives
Bilateral Cooperation. The USG encouraged Turkmenistan to modernize its
legal framework for combating drug smuggling, to adhere to international drug
control treaties and to become a party to the other UN Conventions. Moreover,
the USG, is providing provide Turkmenistan with forensics equipment and drug
search and test kits.
The Road Ahead. Over the next year, the USG will encourage Turkmenistan to
expand its drug control activities and establish the necessary legislative
institutions. The USG will offer law enforcement training opportunities, and
will work to foster increased cooperation among Turkmenistan, and the former
states of the Soviet Union in their counternarcotics efforts. Finally, the
USG will assist Turkmenistan's border interdiction efforts.
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