U.S. Department of State
1997 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, March 1998
United States Department of State
Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
Europe and Central Asia
ALBANIA
I. Summary
Narcotics trafficking, cultivation, and use, and money laundering are
all long-standing, but increasingly serious problems in Albania. Widespread
unrest and violence early in 1997 and lack of effective border controls
exacerbated illegal drug activity. Efforts to restore order and to
strengthen counternarcotics efforts toward the end of 1997 have yielded
some seizures, but have not brought narcotics trafficking under
control. Albania is not a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
Albania lies on the Balkan Route which is a primary source of drugs
bound for western Europe. Heroin and other drugs reportedly enter Albania,
by land and by sea, from Turkey, Bulgaria, and the Former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia (FYROM). These drugs then generally leave Albania either by
sea to Italy or overland to Greece.
Cultivation/Production. Cannabis is becoming a significant cash
crop for Albania's impoverished farmers. Some heroin poppy is also
cultivated in rural areas. There are unconfirmed reports of laboratories
which process raw heroin or synthetic drugs, in addition to laboratories
which cut refined heroin. Yet we have no evidence that either poppy or
cannabis are cultivated in sufficient quantities to meet the statutory
definition for a major producing country.
Drug Flow/Transit. Albanian organized crime groups are reportedly
an increasing presence in those western European countries with significant
ethnic Albanian populations. Such groups reportedly also collaborate with
Italian, Greek, Turkish, and FYROM drug syndicates.
Demand Reduction. Use of heroin and other narcotics in Albania
continues to rise, according to press reports, non-governmental
organizations, and anecdotal evidence. The increase is especially serious
among the young. Nevertheless, levels of use likely remain below those in
neighboring countries.
Some experts assert some of the pyramid schemes which dominated
Albania's economy in 1996 and collapsed in March-April 1997 were involved
in both the drug trade and money laundering. At least one bank in Albania
is also being investigated for suspected money laundering.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1997
Policy Initiatives. The virtual disappearance of Albania's police
forces during the unrest in March-April 1997 left the country's
border-crossing points open to drug trafficking. Albanian police estimate
as much as 200 kilos of pure heroin entered Albania during March and April,
the period of the worst domestic violence. The new government which took
office in July 1997 has made considerable efforts to restore order and to
regain control of the country's borders, but armed groups continue to
operate and smuggling remains rampant. Steps which the new government took
include strengthening the counternarcotics section of the Interior
Ministry. Staff levels in the section were increased in late 1997 from 30
to over 100. One central office is now responsible for measures to combat
drug trafficking, while another is tasked with addressing the problems of
drug cultivation and production. Ten regional offices work with the police
throughout the country.
Law Enforcement Efforts. A division within the police to combat
economic crime was established in August 1997. In addition to its
anti-smuggling responsibilities, the section includes a three-person unit
responsible for money laundering and other financial crimes. This unit has
cooperated with its Italian counterparts on investigations.
Corruption. For trafficking as well as for money laundering,
corruption remains an obstacle to effective counternarcotics law
enforcement activities.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Bilateral Cooperation. The US has repeatedly urged successive
Albanian governments to address narcotics trafficking and related
problems. The DEA's Athens office, which has responsibility for Albania,
was not active in the country in 1997 due to the domestic security
situation.
Multilateral Cooperation. While most drugs produced in or shipped
through Albania are destined for EU countries, the EU has not provided
assistance directed to counternarcotics efforts. There is, however,
operational cooperation with the authorities of neighboring countries.
The Road Ahead. Embassy Tirana is exploring ways to increase
counternarcotics training and cooperation. The DEA's Athens office also
plans to resume counternarcotics cooperation with the Albanian
authorities.
|
