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
FRANCE
I. Summary
France is an important transit country to other European countries,
particularly for narcotics originating in Northern Africa, Southwest Asia
and the Middle East. Heroin continues to be of primary concern to French
law enforcement officials. French officials are also concerned about the
increase in domestic consumption, trafficking, and transit through France
of cocaine and ecstasy, as well as the increasing use of cannabis by
14-18 year olds.
No new narcotic legislation was passed in 1997. The enhanced drug
control measures passed in 1996 on money laundering, asset seizure and
banking reporting laws have made it easier for French officials to
prosecute crimes related to money laundering. France is a party to the 1988
UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
French government narcotics data for 1996, released in the Spring of
1997 (narcotics data for 1997 will be released in April of 1998), show that
arrests for trafficking in heroin (3,451) and cannabis (3,927) remain
significantly greater than for any other drug. In 1996, there was a 15.78
percent decrease in the number of arrests for heroin use/resale (14,618
arrests in 1996 down from 17,356 in 1995). According to French statistics,
heroin use in France is on the decline for the first time in 20
years. There was a dramatic increase (60.5 percent) in arrests for
trafficking in cocaine from 449 in 1995 to 721 in 1996. Cannabis is the
most widely abused drug in France. French officials estimate there are 1
million habitual users of marijuana, 200,000-300,000 heroin addicts,
500,000 cocaine users, and thousands of mostly young people experimenting
with ecstasy in France.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1997
Agreements and Treaties. France is a party to the 1988 UN Drug
Convention. It is a party to the 1961 UN Single Convention and its 1972
Protocol, as well as the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. The
USG and the GOF have narcotics-related agreements, including a 1971
Agreement on Coordinating Action Against Illicit Trafficking. The US and
France signed in 1996 a new and strengthened Extradition Treaty--the first
since 1909, which is currently awaiting advice and consent to ratification
by the US Senate. Though French law does not permit the extradition of
French citizens, the GOF prosecutes its nationals domestically for crimes
committed elsewhere which are covered under the Treaty.
The USG has concluded a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) with
the Government of France. French officials participate in international
drug control fora, including UNDCP, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF),
and the Dublin Group. France pledged 8 million Francs ($1.3 million) in
voluntary contributions above its regular assessment to the UNDCP during
the year. The Foreign Ministry's Office of Security Affairs, which monitors
terrorism, organized crime, narcotics and money laundering, participated
actively in international drug control efforts during the year.
Law Enforcement Efforts. French counternarcotics authorities are
efficient and effective. Approximately 55 percent of the heroin seized in
France was destined for domestic users in 1996. Heroin seizures in that
year increased by 23.79 percent (617 kilograms), by 58.17 percent for
cannabis (66,860 kilograms), and by 101.42 percent for cocaine (1,742
kilograms). (This sharp increase was due in part to two significant cocaine
seizures in the Caribbean territories of St. Martin (300 kilograms)
and St. Barthelemy (863.299 kilograms). In August 1997, a Paris judge
closed down five popular Paris nightclubs where police observed ecstasy and
cocaine being sold openly. The traffic and abuse of ecstasy in France is
becoming a serious problem (32 arrests in 1990 up to 1,179 in 1996).
Corruption. Narcotics-related corruption among French public
officials is not a problem. The USG is not aware of any involvement by
senior officials in the production or distribution of drugs, or in the
laundering of drug proceeds.
Drug Flow/Transit. France is an important transshipment point for
illicit drugs, especially heroin to other European countries. 81 percent of
heroin originating in southwest Asia and 11 percent of heroin originating
in southeast Asia is shipped from The Netherlands, Belgium, or Turkey into
the French domestic market and then transshipped to other European markets
or, in some instances, North America. However, the USG has no evidence that
drugs transiting France have a significant effect on the US. France is also
a significant transit route for Moroccan and southwest Asian hashish
destined for European markets and for South American cocaine (77 percent
Colombian) destined for Central and Eastern Europe. A transit route for
West African cocaine seems to be developing in France.
Cultivation/Production. French authorities believe the
manufacture and cultivation of illicit drugs is not a problem in
France.
France produces amphetamines and reports its production to the
International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). France cooperates with the
DEA to monitor and control these products.
Demand Reduction. France's drug control agency, the Mission
Interministerielle de Lutte Contre la Drogue et la Toxicomanie (MILDT), is
responsible for coordinating demand reduction programs. Drug education
efforts target government officials, counselors, teachers, and medical
personnel. The GOF is expanding its experimental methadone treatment
program. France is a strong advocate in Europe opposing drug
decriminalization.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Bilateral Cooperation. USG and GOF counternarcotics law enforcement
cooperation is excellent. The French police participate in USG-sponsored
money laundering courses and in specialized narcotics training courses.
The Road Ahead. The US will continue its cooperation with France
on all counternarcotics fronts, including in multilateral fora such as the
Dublin Group and UNDCP. The USG still hopes to conclude a bilateral
maritime agreement for the Caribbean with France. French police and DEA
officers continue to work well together.
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