16911/06 ZH/mp 1 DG H II A

Transcription

1 COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION Brussels, 18 December /06 CORDROGUE 117 NOTE from : to : Subject : Portuguese regional chair of Africa Dublin Group Country report on Mozambique 1. General Drug Control Situation in the Country a) Drug production related issues Abuse and trafficking of cannabis remain a major challenge to Mozambique, where it is the drug of choice in view of its availability and price. There is a growing concern regarding the abuse and trafficking of heroin and cocaine as reflected in the increased seizures and the number of drug abusers seeking treatment. The weak law-enforcement capacity, particularly at border points and airports, has increased the vulnerability of the country. Mozambique is also increasingly used as a transit country for illicit drugs and precursors, especially through its major ports and particularly Maputo, in view of its proximity to South Africa, which remains the major market for illicit drugs in southern Africa. Illicit drugs seized include cannabis, hashish, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs particularly methamphetamines and methaqualone (mandrax) /06 ZH/mp 1

2 b) Drug trafficking related issues Cannabis herb grown in Mozambique supplies the illicit market. Additionally, consignments of cannabis from countries in the region, such as Malawi, are transited through Mozambique to South Africa. Annual cannabis seizures have ranged between Kg to Kg over the past 4 years. Heroin and cocaine are trafficked to and through Mozambique via the international airport and the major ports. Cocaine seizures are significantly larger and ranged between 4.8 kg to 25,6 kg respectively in A growing concern is the trafficking and abuse of synthetic drugs, which have become major problems in South Africa (Western Cape) and in the region. Improved precursor control measures need to be further strengthened and expanded. Currently Mozambique is not participating in the initiatives of the International Narcotics Control Board to monitor the chemical precursors used for the manufacture of illicit drugs, particularly cocaine, heroin and amphetamine-type stimulants. Recent reports clearly indicate that traffickers target the countries which lack effective precursor control mechanisms to obtain or to transit precursors for the manufacture of illicit drugs. The ports of Mozambique, particularly Maputo, could be used for the transit of such precursor chemicals to South Africa or other destinations for the manufacture of illicit drugs. The fact that South Africa is hosting the 2010 World Cup will have major implications for Mozambique in view of its proximity to South Africa, with Mozambique, particularly the international airport and seaport of Maputo, providing easy access to South Africa. Mozambique will also be hosting some national teams in preparation for the event, enhancing the importance of strengthening the capacity to address the security challenges, including the influx of drugs and other illicit commodities /06 ZH/mp 2

3 c) Drug demand related issues The number of drug abusers seeking treatment has doubled in the past four years. At national level, the most prevalent illicit drug of abuse in Mozambique remains cannabis. In the urban municipalities abuse of cocaine and heroin has been increasing and young people are more vulnerable to drugs of abuse. A major concern is the potential increase in abuse of amphetamine type stimulants, as their precursor chemicals, mainly ephedrine, are readily available. Drug abuse among school children has become a growing concern, with the need to mobilize the various ministries to include drug abuse prevention among young people as one of their priorities. 2. Up-date on Mozambique s anti-drugs strategy Mozambique s adopted an anti-drug policy is set out in the National Drug Master Plan, which is overseen directly by the Council of Ministers. The representative of Mozambique warned the Mini- Dublin Group meeting that the country lacked the financial support to implement the strategy and master plan, particularly since the assistance which they had previously received from the SADC EU-funded project was no longer available following the termination of the regional project. The Government is preparing a new strategic plan for the prevention of drug abuse and combating drug trafficking for the period The implementation of this multi-sectoral plan requires investment in capacity building, particularly through training and equipment. Mozambique has ratified all three United Nations Drug Control Conventions, the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances and 1988 Convention against illicit Traffic in Narcotic Substances 16911/06 ZH/mp 3

4 The Gabinete Central de Prevenção e Combate a Droga, reporting directly to the Council of Ministers, is mandated to ensure the coordination of government policies and the implementation of the National Master Plan. However both the Police and Customs remain critical partners in countering drug trafficking and should play a more prominent role, particularly in confiscating the proceeds of drug trafficking. Money laundering is also a growing concern amid suspicions that the proceeds of drug trafficking are increasingly being laundered through the property market. It is of critical importance for Mozambique to develop a credible capacity to address the laundering of proceeds derived from drug trafficking and related criminal activities. There appears to be a lack of coordination within as well as between law enforcement agencies to address the problem of drug trafficking and production in a comprehensive manner. This also makes it difficult for donors to provide effective assistance. 3. Prioritized identification of needs for external assistance Strengthen interdiction capabilities of border control officials stationed at airports, landborders and seaports and coastal areas (to address trafficking by sea). Provision of equipment and training to enhance expertise and capacity for drug law enforcement particularly in relation to the Brigada Nacional de Combate a Droga Training of trainers, namely the officers from the GPPCD and anti-drug activists in the private sector, particularly NGOs. Put in place better coordination/cooperation mechanisms among law enforcement agencies. Improved regulatory control, as well as precursor control. Support for drug demand reduction (prevention, treatment and rehabilitation). Support to strengthen rural policing (cannabis elimination, dismantling of laboratories located on farms) Support for the rapid destruction of seized drugs /06 ZH/mp 4

5 4. Mini-Dublin Group assessment of needs 4.1 Emerging trends/threats Mozambique, with one of the major ports in Southern Africa (Maputo) and an international airport, is one of the countries that will be exposed to the adverse effects of the 2010 World Cup, in view of its proximity to South Africa and the porous land borders and open coastlines. The 2010 World Cup is likely to be accompanied by increased organized criminal activity in the region including drug trafficking, trafficking in persons and; potentially; terrorism. To prepare for this event; more effective control mechanisms are required at land borders, airports and seaports. The increase in the trafficking and abuse of synthetic drugs requires more effective mechanisms for the control of precursor chemicals in Mozambique and the region. This is of particular importance since South Africa is experiencing a crisis, particularly in the Western Cape, arising from the abuse and illicit manufacture of amphetamine-type stimulants. Lack of means of control undermines the efficiency of law enforcement authorities as well as the trust of the public in their ability to address the drug problem and deal with organized crime. 4.2 Political Initiatives Donor countries should coordinate the assistance they are providing to Mozambique to avoid donor duplication. At the regional level, the Southern African Regional Police Chief Council Organization (SARPCCO) is planning to establish a 2010 FIFA World Cup Committee with UNODC as a fully fledged member /06 ZH/mp 5

6 The Windhoek Declaration on a New SADC-ICP Partnership, adopted by the SADC Consultative Conference held in Windhoek, Namibia, on 26 and 27 April 2006, included inter-alia the following areas of cooperation: combating organized crime including drug trafficking, anti-money laundering, human trafficking and drug trafficking control programmes. UNODC approached SADC to review drug control cooperation particularly in the area of drug demand reduction /06 ZH/mp 6