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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


MALTA

I. Summary

Malta does not produce narcotics or precursor chemicals used to manufacture drugs. The Maltese Government has on-going programs to train local officials in drug abuse treatment and prevention methods. The Government of Malta (GOM) seeks to deter drug trafficking through random roadblocks, screening of airline passengers, and other law enforcement efforts, but it is hampered by a lack of law enforcement personnel, material resources and an out-dated legal code. The GOM requests and accepts assistance from other countries, primarily in the area of training for Customs, Police or military officials. Malta is a party to the 1988 UN Convention, but needs to enact better legislation to meet the Convention's requirements.

II. Status of Country

The GOM does not maintain statistics on drug use. However, Maltese authorities believe cannabis is the most widely used drug, although a small but growing number of citizens use heroin. Despite its status as a major offshore center and the presence of a free port, Maltese authorities state they have uncovered no evidence of money laundering. The GOM has asset seizure laws, but prosecutors must prove that the assets are the proceeds of drug sales (or other illegal activity). Malta is not a producer or importer of precursor chemicals. Maltese authorities have no evidence of money laundering. The GOM did not report any assets derived from illicit drug activity seized in 1996.

III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1996

Policy Initiatives. In February, Malta became a party to the 1988 UN Convention. The new Maltese Government elected in October is reviewing the country's drug situation and assessing current antidrug laws and policies. The new Prime Minister has made statements emphasizing the importance his government places on aggressively combatting drug use and the GOM's commitment to deter and control illicit drug activity.

In April, the GOM co-sponsored a DEA regional counternarcotics training seminar. Twelve Maltese officials participated in the two-week program.

Accomplishments. Maltese authorities seized a seven-ton shipment of marijuana which traffickers were transferring through Malta's free port, a major container handler in the Mediterranean. The container originated in Singapore and was destined for Romania. Maltese authorities worked closely with other European law enforcement authorities that provided the intelligence necessary to locate the container.

Enforcement Efforts. Maltese police and armed forces work aggressively to stop illicit drug activities. They work closely with other governments' law enforcement authorities, including those of the US. GOM authorities arrested 735 people during 800 drug raids which resulted in the seizure of 171 gms of cocaine, 2.6 kgs of heroin, 7.2 mt of cannabis and approximately 100 marijuana plants. Authorities also seized very small quantities of LSD, ecstasy, and other synthetic drugs.

Corruption. Narcotics-related corruption is not considered to be a problem in Malta.

Agreements and Treaties. Malta is a party to the 1988 UN Convention. The GOM meets some of the Convention's goals and objectives, but it requires changes in legislation in chemical and financial controls to meet fully the Conventions's goals and objectives. Malta is a party to 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, as amended by its 1972 Protocol. The extradition treaty between the UK and the US signed in 1931 and which became applicable to Malta in 1935, remains in force. There were no cases of extraditions between the US and Malta in 1996.

Cultivation/Production. The only known production of drug crops is the small-scale cultivation of marijuana for personal use.

Drug Flow/Transit. Maltese authorities believe that most of the narcotics transiting Malta enter in containerized cargo through the free port destined to other parts of Europe. Authorities also believe smaller drug shipments arrive by couriers aboard commercial aircraft or aboard pleasure craft.

Demand Reduction/Domestic Programs. The GOM's government-funded agency SEDQA runs awareness and drug education programs in the school system, and is responsible for coordinating all demand reduction activities. It has a budget of approximately $2 million.

IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs

US and Maltese law enforcement authorities work closely on joint counternarcotics investigations. The GOM and the US co-sponsored a two-week regional training seminar in 1996. The USG funded the travel of two senior GOM counternarcotics officials to the US to learn about investigative and demand reduction techniques. The US will continue to offer opportunities for training to senior Maltese officials.

The Road Ahead. The USG looks forward to good law enforcement cooperation with Maltese authorities, and will encourage Maltese participation in drug-related training programs.

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