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
MALTA
I. Summary
Drug trafficking is a small but growing problem in Malta. Of increasing
concern is rising drug abuse among Malta's youth, particularly ecstasy and
heroin. The recent seizure of 2 kilograms of heroin at Malta
International Airport was especially worrisome to Maltese
authorities. According to reports, the two Egyptians carrying the drugs
admitted that they had passed through the airport many times over the past
year, and that the heroin was destined for the local market.
However, there is no real consensus among the various law enforcement
agencies as to the size of the drug problem, with the higher echelons
tending to minimize it, while the rank and file, confronted with it on a
daily basis, offers a darker assessment. Some coordination problems also
exist between the various agencies combatting drug trafficking and drug
abuse: the police, the National Drug Intelligence Unit (NDIU), Customs, the
military and SEDQA (an organization dedicated to drug and alcohol
rehabilitation).
Still, the Government of Malta (GOM) has shown initiative by creating
the NDIU and appointing a Police Commissioner in charge of drug
matters. The Maltese welcome and benefit from all training
opportunities. The DEA training course conducted in Malta in September 1997
was successful and well attended. Incidentally, the latest airport drug
seizure occurred just two weeks after that course. Malta became a party to
the 1988 UN Drug Convention in 1996.
II. Status of Country
Malta is not now and is not likely to become in the near future a
significant player in the production or trafficking of illegal drugs, or in
money laundering. However, the country's large freeport container
operations may be used for transfer of shipments by narcotraffickers and
the features of its financial system may provide some facility for the
laundering of drug money.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1997
Policy Initiatives. During 1997, the GOM maintained its serious
anti-drug stance through a continuation of efforts to combat drug
importation, distribution and use. Over the past year and a half, the GOM
appointed a Police Assistant Commissioner for Drug-Related Matters and
created a force exclusively dedicated to the fight against drugs: the
NDIU. The GOM is clearly placing great importance on aggressively
combatting drugs and drug-related problems and will actively pursue illegal
drug operations.
Accomplishments. Malta is not a major narcotics producer or
trafficker, nor is there evidence that the country is a target for major
money laundering. However, the GOM is increasingly concerned over
individual use, on the increase, and over small-scale local drug
trafficking.
For the first 10 months of 1997, the Maltese police conducted 578
searches, resulting in the seizure of 233 ecstasy pills, 290 grams of
cocaine and 4.5 kilograms of heroin. The quantity of heroin seized during
this period was almost double the amount for the whole of 1996.
Following up on the successful DEA regional seminar in April 1996,
the DEA organized a two-week training seminar in September 1997, which was
attended by 30 law enforcement officers (15 from the police, 5 from the
armed forces, 5 from the NDIU, and 5 from Customs). The GOM's most visible
counternarcotics efforts in 1997 remained in the areas of education and
demand reduction. A national organization, SEDQA, coordinated these
activities.
Law Enforcement Efforts. The drug problem in Malta tends to
involve the sale and use of consumer quantities of illegal drugs. The
police and the armed forces routinely attempt to interrupt these
activities. Maltese authorities also attempt to prevent the movement of
drugs through the airport and the sea terminal. Although monitoring the
movement of drugs through the freeport has proved difficult because of the
high volume of containers passing through, the authorities have shown they
can act decisively when notified by foreign law enforcement authorities of
transshipment attempts.
Corruption. Malta has appropriate laws governing official
corruption. There appear to be no problems of corruption of public
officials related to or associated with illegal drug activities.
Agreements and Treaties. In 1990, Malta acceded to the 1961 UN
Single Convention and its 1972 Protocol, and became a party to the 1988 UN
Drug Convention in 1996. The Extradition Treaty between the GOM and the
U.S, which became applicable to Malta in 1935, remains in force. The US has
submitted requests to Malta under this treaty."
Cultivation/Production. There is no significant
cultivation/production of narcotics in Malta. Occasionally, officials have
located and destroyed small patches with a few cannabis plants.
Drug Flow/Transit. Malta's drug problems involve the importation
and distribution of consumer-sized quantities of illegal drugs. At present,
there is no indication from any sources that Malta is a major trafficking
location. However, drug movements through the Malta freeport are impossible
to quantify and probably occur, as indicated by the 1996 seizure of a
container of marijuana.
Demand Reduction. Malta's government-funded agency, SEDQA, deals
with all aspects of drug and alcohol abuse. The agency runs awareness and
drug education programs in the school system and also organizes programs
for parents at the agency's headquarters. In addition, SEDQA develops and
runs local television commercials on drug awareness and education
issues.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Bilateral Cooperation. US policy in Malta is to continue the close
working relationship that exists between Maltese and US authorities on drug
matters. There are no US policy initiatives specifically involving
Malta. The GOM remains very interested in seeking and securing additional
training whenever possible for its personnel, such as US-sponsored training
opportunities.
Accomplishments. A significant seizure of heroin occurred at
Malta's International Airport shortly after this training. The
DEA-sponsored training that took place in Malta in September is an
excellent example of the type of useful working relationship/cooperation
prized by the Maltese.
The Road Ahead. We anticipate continued cooperation of the
Maltese authorities whenever necessary to work on illegal drug issues of
mutual interest and concern. The GOM has requested further DEA assistance,
specifically assistance on the job by experienced DEA personnel. If past
experience is a guide, the GOM would most probably be willing to partly or
fully underwrite this assistance. SEINC 740
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