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
GERMANY
I. Summary
Although Germany is not a major narcotics producing country, it is an
important consumer and transit hub. There has been little change in heroin
and cocaine consumption over the past three years, according to German
officials. Heroin remains the drug of choice for abusers, although
authorities note a continuation in a trend of increased amphetamines and
designer drug use. Germany's excellent communications infrastructure and
location at the center of Europe makes it a major transit country. Most of
the heroin that the German authorities seize arrives via Balkan land routes
from Turkey. The Netherlands continues to be the primary source country for
amphetamines. German customs authorities remain powerless to control an
increasing number of cross-border cash transits--which remain free from
reporting requirements.
II. Status of Country
Germany will remain a major narcotics transit country and consumer of
illicit drugs throughout 1998. Trucks and passenger vehicles account for
most of the heroin coming via the Balkan land route. While Germany is a
major chemical producer, German chemical companies comply with chemical
regulations implemented in 1993.
German anti-drug authorities report that the number of first-time hard
drug users has remained basically constant (the marked apparent increase in
the statistics of new users almost certainly reflects new data-gathering
methods as opposed to a true increase, according to authorities). German
police, however, report that they detect a continuation in the trend of
increased amphetamine/designer drug use.
As of the end of October, 1997, authorities recorded 1,202 drug
deaths--a slight increase from 1996. Authorities indicate that heroin abuse
and multiple addiction continue to be the primary causes of drug
deaths.
An anti-money laundering provision which would mandate the declaration
to Customs of international cash or check transfers of the German
equivalent of $17,500 is currently under consideration by the Parliament as
part of a broader organized crime bill.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1997
Policy Initiatives. German counternarcotics activities remain
governed by the 1990 National Narcotics Prevention Plan, based on a
consensus between the federal and state governments.
During 1997, the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein made a
proposal--rejected by the federal government--to allow the distribution of
hashish from selected pharmacies.
Accomplishments. Seizures of cocaine are on the rise as police
identify trafficking patterns of South American organizations. Reflecting
the usage trend anti-drug authorities have tracked over the last year,
seizures of synthetic drugs continue to rise.
Law Enforcement Efforts. German law enforcement is effective at
both the federal and state levels, and cooperation with US officials is
excellent. While budget pressures continue to exist, police receive
adequate resources.
Corruption. There is no significant drug-related corruption in
Germany. The German government does not encourage or facilitate the
production or distribution of narcotics.
Agreements and Treaties. Germany ratified the 1988 UN Drug
Convention in 1993. Since no Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) exists
between the United States and Germany, the US Department of Justice must
use "Letter Rogatory" procedures to obtain evidence in almost all
investigative requests. Negotiations on an MLAT continued during 1997. The
USG has concluded a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) with the
Government of Germany.
Cultivation/Production. There is no reported illicit cultivation
of natural narcotics, or illicit production of opium or coca in
Germany. While German authorities report that cultivation of cannabis on a
micro scale for personal use continues to be a problem, there were no
take-downs of large scale cannabis growers in 1997.
Between January 1 and September 30, 1997, German police dismantled 14
illegal drug laboratories, 11 of which produced amphetamines or amphetamine
derivatives.
Drug Flow/Transit. Germany's efficient transportation
infrastructure and Central European location makes it a natural trafficking
hub. The Balkan route--whose diversification following the war in
Yugoslavia has complicated police analysts' efforts to pin down individual
smuggling paths--continues to be the route of choice for Turkish and
Southwest Asian heroin smugglers. Turkish nationals, with the support of
Eastern European groups, dominate this smuggling route. Synthetic drugs
such as ecstasy and other amphetamines produced in The Netherlands continue
to flow across the German border. Germany remains a transit country for
cocaine smugglers, who use Germany's busy airports to bring cocaine into
the country for transshipment and local sale.
Demand Reduction. Germany's prevention program focuses on
education about the dangers of drug abuse, and targets kindergarten and
elementary school students. The federal government also promotes self-help
programs for rehabilitating drug users in conjunction with state
authorities.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Bilateral Cooperation. US-German law enforcement cooperation is
excellent. Authorities routinely cooperate on joint investigations of
international drug trafficking organizations. DEA is a permanent member of
the Permanent German Narcotics Working Group (STAR) and also participates
in a number of other regional narcotics working groups which are designed
to exchange information and to develop operational strategy and
policy. During 1997, the US Internal Revenue Service conducted money
laundering and exchange of information seminars to legal, customs, and tax
officials in Magdeberg, Berlin, Dresden, and Nuremberg. As in past years,
the primary purpose of these seminars is to improve the money laundering
investigative ability of authorities in the former East Germany. The US
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and US Customs also provide on-going
assistance to a German government-sponsored think-tank which studies
specific issues of money laundering enforcement in Germany.
The Road Ahead. The United States will continue its effective
working relationship with German authorities. The United States will also
continue anti-drug work with German authorities through the Dublin
Group.
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