BULGARIA New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues

Transcription

1 2010 NATIONAL REPORT (2009 data) TO THE EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point BULGARIA New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues REITOX

2 Table of content of the report # Chapters Page Summary 4 Part A: New Developments and Trends 1. Drug policy: legislation, strategies and economic analysis 7 2. Drug use in the general population and specific targeted-groups Prevention Problem Drug Use Drug-related treatment: treatment demand and treatment availability Health correlates and consequences Responses to Health Correlates and Consequences Social correlates and social reintegration Drug-related crime, prevention of drug related crime and prison Drug Markets 86 Part B: Selected Issues 11. History, methods and implementation of national treatment guidelines 96 Part C: Bibliography Alphabetic list of all bibliographic references used 99 Alphabetic list of relevant Internet addresses 100 Annexes List of tables and graphs used in the text 102 2

3 Summary 3

4 In 2009 by Order РД / of the Minister of Health interdepartmental work group was established to prepare a project to amend the Drugs and Precursors Control Act. The amendments have been proposed by the governing body of the Ministry of Health and adopted at a session of the Council of Ministers. On the third regular session of the National Council on narcotic Substances, which took place on October 22 nd 2008, the National Anti- Strategy and the Action Plan to it were presented and adopted. By the end of Regional Councils on Narcotic Substances (RCNS) and 23 Prevention and Information Centers (PIC) have been established. The RCNS and the PIC are funded by the funds from the state budget, through the municipal budgets, as delegated state activity. There are no new data on the use of drugs in the general population in Bulgaria. The results from the latest representative surveys among the general population can be found in the 2008 and 2009 Annual Reports on the Issues Related to the Use of Drugs in Bulgaria. Besides the international projects 22 surveys were carried out in the period among students (grades 7 through 13) in 18 cities in the Republic of Bulgaria by applying the NFP methodology. Everywhere the data indicate that marijuana is the most widely used illicit substance. The group of the users of synthetic stimulants can be identified as the second largest group in terms of illicit drugs we refer mainly to amphetamines and ecstasy-type substances. In 2009 an increase of the respective share of the activities for the general prevention was observed compared to the European practice, and also to that in Bulgaria compared to the preceding years. This year in our country the trend of reducing the number and the respective share of the activities for the selective prevention holds again, but on the other hand the share of the activities for the indicative and general prevention has increased. It can be said that a trend is noted of reducing the activities of the selective prevention at the expense of the expansion of the activities directed to the general and indicative prevention. There are no new up-to-date details on evaluations of problem drug use at national level. According to the data provided by the Regional Police Directorates, the total number of individuals (users and dealers) registered with the Drugs Department in 2009 was 4632, which is 21 % up from the 2008 level (3823). The treatment of patients, addicted to narcotic substances includes programmes based on medication-assisted treatment (detoxification and medicinal treatment Naltrexone, Methadone and Substitol) and psychosocial rehabilitation programmes of the type of "Therapeutic Community" and daycare centers. There is a network of treatment facilities and treatment programmes in place in the country, which ensures passage through the individual stages of treatment. A trend in the development and expansion of the network is the increase in the number of the positions in the programmes, that are partially or fully funded from the state and municipal budgets, as well as the provision of a greater number of programmes for medicine free treatment. According to the data provided by the National HIV Confirmatory Laboratory, 171 new HIV-positive persons were registered in Bulgaria in out of them (43.27 %) are injecting drug users. In 2009, ten non-profit organisations developed an activity on the prevention of HIV/AIDC, hepatitis B and C among injecting drug users and they obtained a positive opinion from the NFP for implementing these activities, namely the Programmes for outreach work, 4

5 exchange of needles and syringes, and for doing tests for blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections. According to data from the District Police Directorates in 2009 in Bulgaria the total number of detainees with drugs was , which confirms the trend from 2006 of an increase in the number of arrested persons. In 2009, for drug and precursor crimes (against public health and trafficking/customs smuggling of drugs), the total of 5291 pre-trial proceedings (PTP) were observed compared to 4332 pre-trial proceedings in 2008 and 4609 in According to a database maintained in the General Directorate for Execution of Sentences in 2009 in the places of imprisonment a total of 1038 persons (in 2008 their number was 1542, in ) were registered as addicts or with problem use of psychoactive drugs. Despite geopolitical changes in the international routs of heroin, Bulgaria remains an objectively established connection in the trafficking of the drug between Southeastern and Western Europe. 1 According to Interpol data, after 1991 this is one of the main drug routes from Afganistan and Turkey crossing the Eastern Balkans (Bulgaria Romania Hungary) to Austria, Germany and Netherlands. This rout was loaded mostly in the period , namely during and right after the wars in Yugoslavia in order hostilities and seizures to be avoided. During this period on the average of 86,9% of Afganistan heroin and morphine was trafficked through the route. The Western Balkan countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia и Monte Negro, Kosovo) are transit parts of the Balkan heroin road. Especially topical is the route from Afganistan and Turkey through Bulgaria Macedonia Kosovo Albania Italy. As a result of the activities of departments in the Ministry of Interior (MI) in combating trafficking and distribution in 2009 were discovered and seized a total of 581 kg, 6900 doses, 30 balls, 301 ampoules, 19.5 kg and 40 l other drugs and precursors. 2 As a result of specialized police operations conducted throughout the country have seized a total of 9266 kg dry mass and 615 kg green mass cannabis, 41 kilograms of marijuana, 623 sticks and 0,323 kg of cannabis seeds. In 2009, customs officials prevented 105 cases of illegal narcotics with a total of 1, kilograms, 2005 tablets and 4 cactus. Observed number of cases has increased by about 28% over the previous year, and seized quantities are similar. In 2009 grows number of analyzed objects, containing hemp. During the year the percentaged of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in these objects has increased, while in hashish the percentage of THC is not very high, even declines. In heroin samples no significant change either in number or in content of active component. There is a slight increase in objects than in previous years. Further additivites in heroin are the most and paracetamol, but there are piracetam, benzocaine and phenobarbital. Three-year period samples, containing cocaine begin to rise slightly and there is a tendency to maintain an average level of purity about %. Admixtures in cocaine become more varied: paracetam, benzocaine, procaine, caffeine, lidocaine, tetracaine, phenacetin and levamizol. 1 Report on the work of the District Police Directorates along drugs lines for the period Source: Drugs and Terrorism, Kitan Kitanov, PhD 2 Draft Report of the Coordination and Information Analysis Directorate MI Implementation of the Action Plan for National Strategy to Combat Drugs in

6 Part A: New Developments and Trends 6

7 1. Drug policy: legislation, strategies and economic analysis Within the frames of this section the following main topics will be reviewed: Legal framework; National action plan, strategy, evaluation and coordination; Economic analysis. Legal framework Acts, regulations, directives and guidelines in the sphere of drugs (demand and supply) In 2009 by Order РД / of the Minister of Health interdepartmental work group was established to prepare a project to amend the Drugs and Precursors Control Act. The amendments have been proposed by the governing body of the Ministry of Health and adopted at a session of the Council of Ministers. The amendment of the Act was in relation to the necessity of: 1. Harmonizing the DPCA with the amendment of the Pharmaceuticals Serving Human Medicine Act, in effect since August 12 th 2008 and concerning the legal entities that can be granted authorization for the production, wholesale and retail of pharmaceuticals. Holding an authorization according to the Pharmaceuticals Serving Human Medicine Act in Human Medicine is an obligatory prerequisite for applying for licenses for activities with pharmaceuticals containing narcotic substances under the Drugs and Precursors Control Act. 2. Specifying the establishment of municipal councils on narcotic substances and prevention and information centers in the municipalities, which are regional centers. The ways to fund the municipal councils on narcotic substances and the prevention and information centers have been specified - through the municipal budgets as statedelegated activities. 3. Including the national coordinators on drugs as members of the National Council on Narcotic Substances (NCNS). 4. Specifying the texts related to the control of the activities of treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation of the drug dependent persons. It has been regulated specifically that the specific control on the territory of the country over the treatment of the drug dependent persons is done by the National Center for Addictions, with the help of the drug inspectors at the Regional Health Centers. 5. A new article in the DPCA has been written, pursuant to which at The National Center for Addictions at the Ministry of Health an official data base is established of the individuals enrolled in the programs for the treatment of drug addictions. 7

8 6. It has been explicitly written in the act, in Chapter 6 International Cooperation that at the National Center for Addictions at the Ministry of Health A National Focal Point is established as a part of the European network for information in the sphere of drugs and addictions. In fact such a directorate has been established and functions and the tasks of the National Focal Point have been specified in the statute of the structure and activity of the National Center for Addictions. 7. Specifying the regulations concerning the control of the import of cannabis and cannabis seeds not meant for sowing and supervised by the Minister of Agriculture and Foods. It is provided that the Minister of Agriculture and Foods is the administrator of the revenues from the taxes to issue authorizations for activities under Art. 29 and Art. 32a. 8. Specifying the texts from the annexes 1, 2 and 3 concerning the prohibition to advertise narcotic substances and plants to the public and the pharmaceuticals containing narcotic substances. 9. Regulating the supply and storage of pharmaceuticals containing narcotic substances at special warehouses of the state medical reserve and at the wartime stocks of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defense, which is to be done after issuing an authorization following a procedure specified by a regulation of the Council of Ministers. 10. Bringing new substances under control pursuant to the annexes to the act: - 9 substances in Annex 1, Plants and substances of high-degree risk for the public health forbidden for use in the human and veterinary medicine because of their noxious effect and abuse 1-benzylpiperazine; 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenylamine; 2,5- dimethoxy-4-iodophenetilamine (2C-I); 2,5 dimethoxy-4-ethylthiophenetil amine (2C-T-2); 2,5 dimethoxy-4-(n)- propylthiophenetilamine (2С-T-7); 4- methylthioamphetamine (4- МТА); para-methoxymetamphetamine (РММА); 2,4,5- trimethoxyamphetamine (ТМА-2); phenylpiperazine and its halogen derivatives. - 1 substance in Annex 2, Substances of high-degree risk which are administered in the human and veterinary medicine codeine-n-oxide. - 5 substances in Annex 3, Risk substances, which are administered in the human and veterinary medicine 1,4-butandiol; gammabutirolactone; gammahydroxibutiric acid; ketamine; chloralhydrate. In April 2009 The National Assembly adopted a new Penalty Enforcement and Arrest Act (promulgated in the State Gazette issue 25 from April 3 rd 2009, in effect since June 1 rd 2010). By further developing the regulation of Art. 41, Para. 6 of the Criminal Code the Act to Amend the PEAA provides regulations to determine the initial and the succeeding regime of serving the deprivation of freedom penalty for individuals suffering from alcoholic or narcotic dependence. Besides, it is explicitly shown in the act that the individuals deprived of freedom have to undergo a thorough medical examination after their admission to the admission wards of the prisons which allows for them, in case a dependence has been found, including drug dependence, to be monitored by the doctorpsychiatrist or the inspector-psychologist. 3 Law Enforcement The effective control of drugs is based on the concept of the balanced approach. The beneficial international cooperation, the consolidation of the relations and the improvement of the data coordination, as well as the full value use of the capacity of 3 Report on the implementation of the Action Plan to the National Anti- Drug Strategy over the period г, Coordination, Information and Analytical Activity Directorate (CIAAD) Ministry of Interior (MI),

9 Europоl and of the other structures of the EU are one of the basic prerequisites for limiting the production and trafficking of drugs. 4 For the implementation of the strategic goals in the sphere of reducing drug supply the following activities have been implemented: In 2009 the customs officers prevented 105 cases of illegal trafficking of drugs. For the storage and destruction of drugs 2,692 correspondences have been instituted for the reception of drugs. The administrative capacity of the unit for operative analysis at the Drugs Department - Chief Directorate to Combat Organized Criminality (CDCOC), has been increased - 5 new officers have been appointed, the processing of the incoming information and its inclusion into the data base has been ensured. The operative staff participates actively in the operational and reconnaissance projects at the Initiative for Cooperation in South-East Europe Center (ICSEE/SEKI) in Bucharest and 5 joint operations were conducted in Within the frames of the international cooperation constant exchange of information is done with EUROPOL, INTERPOL and the police services of the other countries. 11 operations under cover have been performed, including by studying the best practices of the member countries of the EU of how to use officers under cover in combating drug trafficking. A specialized section from the staff of the investigating policemen for the investigation of drug-related crime has become autonomous. Regular specialized training of the officers from the Chief Directorate to Combat Organized Criminality is done to acquire and increase qualification in the sphere of combating drug trafficking. In organized criminal groups connected with drugs were neutralized by CDCOC. For the storage and destruction of narcotic substances 2,692 correspondences for the reception of drugs have been instituted. 1,892 kg of drugs have been destroyed on the information from 1,936 correpondences. In 2009 The State Agency for National Security (SANS) provided information to the law guardian bodies and participated in joint operations with the Ministry of Interior (MI), the prosecutor s office and the National Investigation Service (NIS) as follows: Information has been provided to the Sofia Municipal Prosecutor s Office (SMPO) about the functioning of a cross-border channel for transfer of phenylacetic acid from Serbia to Bulgaria; A joint specialized operation has been carried out by the State Agency for National Security (SANS), MI, the National Investigation Service (NIS) and the Sofia Municipal Prosecutor s Office on the territory of Sofia, Montana and Vidin, and the members of an organized criminal group for trafficking of and illegal trade with precursors were detained. 60 kg phenylacetic acid, illegal weapons, counterfeit currency and doses of amphetamine were seized. Charges have been pressed against 9 individuals. 4 verdicts of conviction have come into effect; An organized criminal group for illegal production and trafficking of synthetic drugs from Bulgaria to the Middle East has been detected using the information presented by the SMPO. Within the frames of the operation more than 100, 000 ampoules containing the Winstrol anabolic steroid of approximate market cost BGN 1,500, 000 were seized. The activity of the illegal workshop for the production of the ampoules has been 4 Report on the implementation of the Action Plan to the National Anti- Drug Strategy in , Coordination, Information and Analytical Activity Directorate (CIAAD) MI,

10 discontinued. It was located on warehouse premises of a car service in Sofia. 5 Bulgarian citizens have been detained. Individuals involved with the activity of a transnational organized criminal group (OCG) for the production and trafficking of drugs and precursors and for the preparing of forged credit and debit cards have been identified; In the month of August 2009 the activity of an organized criminal group acting in the region of the towns of Sofia, Slivnitsa, Bozhurishte, the cross-border check point- Kulata and Ilinden was stopped by employees of the SANS and of the NIS. 5 of the members of the OCG were detained. Forged credit cards and equipment for their preparation have been seized and so were illegally owned arms, international passports with forged visas for the SAR, chemical formulae for the production of synthetic drugs, etc. ; At the port of Varna during the customs control of a container coming from Bolivia 1,020 bottles of dissolved substance reacting to cocaine were found. The total quantity of the cocaine detected was 231,54 kg, with a total value (according to the prices of the judicial system) of BGN 61,300, 000. By virtue of the Committee for Finding Property Acquired through Criminal Activity a decision was made to institute proceedings to find out the property, acquired through criminal activity, of two individuals from the town of Doupnitsa, who are participants in an OCG for drug trafficking. At the Chief Directorate Combating Organized Crime Ministry of Interior CDCOC-MI there is an ongoing process of compiling data base for the registration, categorization, and surveillance of the criminal contingent related to drugs From the reports, submitted to the SANS, on suspicious operations committed by individuals pursuant to Art. 3, Para. 2 and Para. 3 from the Measures Against Money Laundering Act (MAMLA), after an analysis has been done of the suspicious operations, of the systems for money transfer and of the contracts for investment, etc., on the data from 5 of the correspondences there was evidence of laundering money, acquired by trafficking and supply of drugs. Exchange of information about the cases has been done with the foreign financial and intelligence services in Belgium, Norway, the USA, the British Virgin Islands, Turkey, etc. During the last year a total of 132 letters of inquiry were received by SANS from the financial and intelligence services of foreign countries. In 8 of them (5 from Great Britain, 1 from Serbia, 1 from Belgium and 1 from Macedonia) there was evidence or suspicion of laundering money originating from trafficking or supply of drugs. In a number of the inquiries the point is about investing funds of unclear origin in estates in Bulgaria, as well as in other countries. At the request of the prosecutor s office and in relation to the needs of the specialized directorates of the SANS additional information using the international exchange has also been collected. For the information exchange the protected network of the International Organization of the Financial and Intelligence Services (Egmont group) has been used, as well as the system of exchange of information between the financial and intelligence services of the countries. Other restrictive measures undertaken during the year passed are the 5 check ups done jointly with the bodies for supervision over the activities of the individuals obligated under the Measures Against Money Laundering Act (MAMLA) for whom there is evidence that they have used funds acquired through trafficking of drugs and distribution of drugs. 10

11 Cooperation has been provided for the organizing of trainings to prevent money laundering and to counteract drug-related crime. Training seminar has been organized on topic Fund to confiscate the property acquired through crime related to illegal distribution of narcotic substances, money laundering and investigation of property. Regular work meetings are held with the prosecutors from the Money Laundering Departments of the Supreme Cassation Prosecutor s Office and from the Sofia Municipal Prosecutor s Office aimed at optimizing the enterprises directed against committing drug-related crime. Measures have been undertaken to impose punitive sanctions for crime resulting in enrichment of the perpetrators with funds acquired through drug distribution and drug trafficking, by enforcing the regulations of Art. 53 of the Criminal Code for the confiscation of possessions, acquired by criminal activity, to the benefit of the state. In view of the cross-border nature of the drug-related crime, and respectively of the money, acquired through it, close cooperation with INTERPOL, EUROPOL and the officers for contacts with Bulgaria members of the EU- FIUNEТ, has been established 5. Measures have been undertaken for imposing punitive sanctions for crimes resulting in the enrichment of the perpetrators with funds acquired through drug distribution and drug trafficking by enforcing the regulations of Art. 53 of the Criminal Code (CC) for confiscating property, acquired through criminal activity to the benefit of the state. In view of the cross-border nature of the drug-related crime and respectively of the money, acquired through it, close cooperation has been established with INTERPOL, EUROPOL, and the officers for contact with Bulgaria 6. For applying measures on the part of the state, related to limiting the distribution of narcotic substances in the region of educational and children s establishments and the regions around them, specific measures have been undertaken to prevent the distribution of drugs. In relation to Juvenile Delinquency on the territory of the whole country 2,813 specialized police operations have been carried out to counteract the crime related to the distribution of narcotic substances near to and in the school regions. The studying of the good practices of the member countries of the EU continues, and is done within the frames of the twining project Enhancing the administrative capacity of the police in the sphere of drug - related crime at national and regional level. Within the frames of the Educational Program for the employees of the Customs Agency a total of 16 courses have been conducted, including 3 on Synthetic Drugs and Precursors ; 3 courses for the employees from the department for combating drug trafficking at Sofia Airport; 10 educational courses for the customs officers customs dog leaders. Under the program UTTE-2 specialized technical equipment has been received for assembly and disassembly of tyres; 5,760 field drug tests and 4 sets of equipment for nocturnal vision. A permanent priority of the MI is the enhancement and the maintenance of the professional skills and specialized knowledge in the sphere of combating financial crime. The officers of the CDCOC have participated in work meetings and seminars, educational missions and other forms of education, related to counteracting laundering of money and funding the drug-related crime, as well as incorporating into the economic turnover the funds acquired through sale and distribution of narcotic substances. National Action Plan, Strategy, Evaluation and Coordination 5 Report on the implementation of the Action Plan to the National Anti- Drug Strategy in Coordination, Information and Analytical Activities Directorate MI, Report on the Implementation of the Action Plan to the National Anti-Drug Strategy Coordination, Information and Analytical Activities Directorate MI,

12 National Action Plan and/or Strategy On the third regular session of the National Council on narcotic Substances, which took place on October 22 nd 2008, the National Anti- Strategy and the Action Plan to it were presented and adopted. The National Strategy has the following general contents: INTRODUCTION PART І. ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION (State and trends; Analysis of the activity in the sphere of drug demand reduction; Analysis in the sphere of drug supply reduction; Legislation) PART ІІ. GLOBAL GOALS AND PRINCIPLES. PART ІІІ. STRATEGIC SPHERE OF ACTION: Drug demand reduction. PART ІV. STRATEGIC SPHERE OF ACTION: Drug supply reduction. PART V. INTERSECTED SPHERE OF ACTION: Public information and scientific and research activity. PART VІ. INTERSECTED SPHERE OF ACTIVITY: National coordination and international cooperation. PART VІІ. INTERSECTED SPHERE OF ACTIVITY: Perfecting the legislation. PART VІІІ. MECHANISM OF IMPLEMENTATION (Coordinating body; Institutions responsible for the implementation at national and local level; Partners for the implementation; Funding the activities and control of the expenditure; Monitoring of the implementation of the National Strategy) Implementation and evaluation of the National Action Plan and/or strategy At the sessions of the NCNS reports on the implementation of the Action Plan to the National Anti-Drug Strategy have been adopted for , for 2008 and for the 5-year period of the strategy. The Annual Report of the Republic of Bulgaria for 2008 on the problems related to drug use and drug addictions has been accepted. By the end of Regional Councils on Narcotic Substances (RCNS) and 23 Prevention and Information Centers (PIC) have been established in the towns of Blagoevgrad, Bourgas, Varna, Veliko Turnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kiustendil, Kurdzhali, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Rousse, Silistra, Sliven, Smolian, Sofia, Haskovo, Shumen, and Jambol. Reports on the activity of the RCNS and the PIC have been prepared and presented. The work of the RCNS and PIC can be summarized in the several following trends: - Implementation of the accepted prevention programs and strategies; - Prevention activities among students, parents, teachers and pedagogic counselors; - Conducting competitions, exhibitions, seminars, round tables and presenting the problems of drug use and abuse, jointly with other municipal structures; - Issuing different types of prevention, information and health-educational materials; - Informing the public about the activity of the PIC; - Cooperation with the media to ensure the adequate and competent information about the drug problems. The efforts of those working at the prevention and information centers are aimed at overcoming the apathy of society in relation to the problem of drug abuse. Prominence is given to the development and functioning of consultative programs or offices. They should refer the dependent persons for treatment on the territory of the region or on the territory of the country and abroad. 12

13 There is good cooperation with the non-government sector, as well as comparatively good coordination among all the municipal structures on undertaking action in combating drugs and addictions. Last but not least it is worth noting the activity of the PIC in relation to instituting inquiries about the attitudes of the students, parents and teachers and the research to evaluate the distribution and treatment demand, in coordination with the National Center for Addictions. Pursuant to the regulation of Art. 15a, Para. 2 from the Drugs and Precursors Control Act at the fourth regular session of the National Council on Narcotic Substances for 2009 the report on the activity of the RCNS and of the PIC 2008 was presented and approved. On November 26 th - 27 th 2009 the Third National Meeting on the problems of prevention, use and abuse of drugs was held. Representatives of the PIC and of the RCNS, the national coordinator for drugs from the Ministry of Health, members of the secretariat of the NCNS and employees from the National Center for Addictions participated in the meeting. Project BG0011 Listen to the Child improving the prevention and the access to services of children and adolescents, experimenting with and using narcotic substances, examples of good practices in the prevention activities in Bulgaria, a Bill to amend the Drugs and Precursors Control Act, (DPCA) were presented during the meeting. A decision was made that RCNS and the PIC should submit their opinions and suggestions about the bill to amend the DPCA to the NCNS for inclusion in the bill. Other facts for the development of the policy in the sphere of drugs By the month of July 2010 around 200 Internet sites were reviewed, particularly the forums they contained, with the aim of finding discussions on the topic of drugs and more precisely initiatives of the civil society for the purpose of the development of national policy. Of those reviewed 39 7 sites have discussions on the topic focused. 479 topics 8 were announced and 9,944 opinions 9 were shared. On reviewing the selected forums the impression was that the topics related to drugs were most often a part of the category health and general topics, nearly 2/3 of all the topics were related to marijuana, and the remaining ones were related to amphetamines, heroin, hallucinogens, pharmaceuticals, alcohol, etc. 15% of all the topics refer to amendments in the Bulgarian legislation, particularly the Drugs and Precursors Control Act, and are most often titled For or Against the Legalization, For the Legalization?. In 2009 a petition entitled Decriminalization of the marijuana and its use for medical purposes was planned and prepared. This petition was aimed at voting amendments of the narcotic substances act in the Republic of Bulgaria so that the marijuana could be 7 4 of the sites are entirely related to the topic of drugs, the rest belong to the lifestyle category (among them there are sites for science, music, law, school, hobby, etc.) 8 52% of the topics were discussed in 2009г., 27% started in 2009 and continued through 2010 (reference done by July 2010), 11% started in 2008 and ended in 2009 (reference done by July 2010) and 10% started in Around 25% of the topics were related to growing marijuana at home ( indoor or outdoor ). Most of the opinions concerned mainly consultations about the problems and the care of the growing and discussions on the equipment necessary for the growing. 20% of the topics were related to the purchase of seeds for the future growing of marijuana (this will be reviewed in Chapter 10) as well as topics related to material demand in a definite city. 20% of the topics were related to sharing personal experiences after the use of marijuana mainly. Nearly as many are the topics related to information about the types of drugs and the aftereffects of the use. 9 It has to be considered that an author may have several opinions. The number of the opinions given is for

14 moved to the list of enteogens and all the MAJOR marijuana users be allowed to own 1-2 grams for personal use 10. On the other hand at the end of 2009 the Mothers against Drugs Association presented to the press their requisitions, related to amending some of the Acts. This initiative has been held ever since 2004 and besides presentations to the newspapers letters are written to the National Assembly, and meetings are held with members of the Parliament, but so far there has been no positive response from the state institutions. The Mothers against Drugs Association insists on 11 : 1. Proper treatment of drug-dependent persons: establishing detoxification wards in every regional town establishing accessible sites for drug-free treatment putting the Naltrexon medicine on the positive pharmaceutical list / currently in Bulgaria it is under the trade name Adepend/. It is shown as a good practice by the EU strict control on the part of the MH and the law guardian bodies over the private practices and avoiding the at random prescribing of opioid pharmaceuticals improving the conditions at the specialized hospitals for the treatment of drug dependencies- Suhodol, the ward for addictions in Radnevo, еtс. 2. Amending the act with the option treatment instead of prison for minor offences, the cause for which has been the drug dependence. Discontinuing the practice of discharging people from the institutions for long treatment and sending them to prison, legalizing their stay there according to their effective sentence, and recognizing it as serving a term after the respective control measures. 3. Applying programs for treatment of drug-dependence at the places of deprivation of liberty. 4. Facilitating the option of compulsory treatment of the drug-dependent individuals in case of extreme forms of aggression and self-aggression, amendment of the Public Health Act. 5. Assistance on the part of the state to the civil organizations, which have as their main object of activity rehabilitation from drug addiction and can prove good practice. In September 2009 parents of drug dependent individuals from the town of Gabrovo had a meeting with the MP Mrs. Galina Bankovska and they shared with her the problems their children had and the solution of which the state had delayed for so long. With Mrs. Bankovska as their commissioner they submitted an Appeal to the National Assembly in which they had stated the main difficulties they had faced when supporting their children in the fight against the drug dependence. Through the regional media they spoke about the numerous unsolved problems concerning the treatment, rehabilitation and the resocialization of the drug dependent young people. Since the treatment is not an alternative to the prison, this condemns many young people, who have already initiated treatment, to going to prison, and in most of the cases this puts an end to their efforts to get cured. The lack of a long-term program for assistance and prevention of a recurrence for the people who have undergone treatment for dependence, as well as the lack of a 10 Link of the petition: By May 2010 a user of the forum noted that 144 signatures were collected. 11 Source of information: Mothers against Drugs Association. 14

15 Day Center for the rehabilitation and re-socialization of the dependent individuals in Gabrovo makes the integration of these young people in the society all the more difficult 12. Organization of the coordination Activities related to the National Drug Council (NDC): At a session of the Dublin group held on June 22 nd 2009 in Brussels a declaration was presented, approved by the NCNS and signed by the chairperson of the of the NCNS for participation of Bulgaria in the Dublin group. The candidature was approved. At a session of the NCNS a decision was made for the national coordinators for drugs of Bulgaria to attend the sessions of the group. The annual report of Bulgaria for 2008, addressed to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs at the Economic and Social Council of the UN Vienna (UN ECOSOC), was approved at a session of the NCNS implementing the international contracts for control over drugs. At a session of the RCNS a questionnaire was approved, sent by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, about A study of all aspects of the use of cannabis seeds for illicit purposes. At a third regular session of the RCNS information was presented and approved about the implementation of resolutions of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs Resolution 51/11 Links between illicit drug trafficking and illicit firearms trafficking, Resolution 52/8 Use of pharmaceutical technology to counter drug-facilitated sexual assault, Resolution 51/18 Strengthening international support for states in West Africa in their efforts to combat drug trafficking. Economic analysis Public expenditures The National Center for Addictions as an independent legal entity at the Ministry of Health, pursuant to the State Budget Act for 2009, received the planned sum of BGN 302, From the funds granted, according to the financial report of the NCA, BGN 264, 406 were spent. All the funds spent for wages, for insurance payments, for remuneration of external persons and companies, according to contracts concluded and services done, have been made on grounds of the effective legislation. For the Action Plan to the National Program National Anti-Drug Strategy in 2009 the sum of BGN 68, was granted, and from it for the activity of the NFP the sum of BGN 8, was spent. Pursuant to the Grant Agreement for gratuitous assistance for action with the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addictions for the activities of the NFP BGN 116, were spent. In implementing task 1.6. from the National Anti-Drug Strategy ( ) in 2009 the State Agency for Child Protection (SACP) funded the making of two documentaries 12 On the data from the Annual Report on the prevention activities done by the RCNS and PIC- the town of Gabrovo for Source of information: On the data from the annual financial report of the NCA, prepared by the chief accountant of the NCA- A. Hodonovski 14 Source of information: Annual financial report of the NCA 15

16 related to the problems of addictions- Casting and In Order to Live 15. Work meetings and seminars with the specialists from the system for child protection were organized. They were also used for the dissemination of the The Known and the Unknown Teenager manual on drug prevention, meant for social workers. The SACP has funded the introduction and the functioning of an all-european telephone number for children at risk , and through this Bulgaria became the 14 th country member of the European Union to implement Decision 2007/698/ЕО of the European Committee 16. The line is free for the users and provides accessible way for receiving specialized help at any time of the day or the night. The line has also been used by parents. At the end of 2009 under the twining project BG2007/IB/JH/12 Strengthening the Role of the Prison System training was done of the employees from the detention places for persons under investigation in Varna, Plovdiv and Sofia for adopting and implementing a short-term program Harm Reduction from Drug Use 17. The strategic purpose set for introducing a 12-step program in all the penitentiaries in the country has not been totally fulfilled because of the impossibility to fund it. In two of the prisons the program has been probated, but after an analysis done its implementation was discontinued because of the impossibility to provide a team to work only after this program. Besides it is not possible for the participants in the program to be accommodated in separate bedrooms for a long time 18. As a measure to limit the distribution of drugs in the prisons and in the detention places for persons under investigation the purchase and placement of scanners for the luggage has been planned. In 2009 however, such equipment was not provided because of lack of financial resources 19. The Social services for social inclusion plan of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MLSP) is aimed at applying new and sustainable complex approaches to improve the quality of life of the vulnerable groups, including of the drug dependent individuals and prevention of the social exclusion and overcoming its aftermaths 20. The plan includes three components, one of which is oriented to the development of innovative forms of social services, which have not been regulated by the Implementing Regulation of the Social Assistance Act. Within the frames of this component of the plan a set of social services can be funded so that the dependences could be overcome. The funds allocated for the whole plan amount to a total of BGN 23, 015, 000 and for them all the social service suppliers can apply. The sum of the non-repayable aid can vary from BGN 80, 000 to 250, 000. Employment of people suffering from different type of dependencies is supported by two plans for providing non-repayable financial aid according to the Development of the Human Resources Operative Program 21. One of the plans Social entrepreneurship awareness and support of social enterprises (Pilot phase) with a budget of BGN 15, 680, 000 is aimed at assisting the development of the social entrepreneurship as an option to improve the quality of life of the people from groups at risk and overcoming their 15 Source of information: Coordination, Information and Analytical a Activities Directorate, MI (draft annual report of the NADS) 16 Source of information : Coordination, Information and Analytical Activities Directorate, MI (draft annual report of the NADS) 17 Source of information: Coordination and Information and Analytical Activity Directorate, MI (draft of the annual report of the NADS) 18 Source of information: Coordination and Information and Analytical Activity Directorate, MI (draft of the annual report of the NADS) 19 Source of information: Coordination and Information and Analytical Activity Directorate, MI (draft of the annual report of the NADS) 20 Source of information: Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MLSP), European funds, international programs and projects Directorate 21 Source of information: MLSP, European funds, international programs and projects Directorate 16

17 social isolation. The plan is implemented through a procedure to select projects with eligible beneficiaries social services suppliers. As a result of its implementation presumably a minimum of 40 models of social enterprises will be established or fully developed, and on the average in them protected jobs for 5 individuals from the vulnerable groups, who are not able to participate in real labour activity, will be ensured. Another option to secure employment for the individuals who have drug problems is a supplement to the New Opportunities plan with a budget of BGN 30 million, in accordance to which the municipalities can get up to BGN 300, 000 for the establishment of new social enterprises- social laundries, social dining rooms, enterprises for planting and urbanization, as well as ones providing the technical assistance for the activity of the municipal administrations. Presumably, according to the scheme permanent employment will be secured for at least 800 people from the most vulnerable groups, including for people suffering from different types of dependencies. The commitments of the Ministry of the Physical Education and Sports for the implementation of the Action Plan of the NADS are related to the strategic task 1 Improving the options to present to the children and young people attractive ways to spend their leisure time. These commitments are implemented through the Sports for the children in their leisure time program. The target of the program are the children from all over the country who do not practice sport regularly, including the disadvantaged children. In 2009 under the Program 211 projects were implemented, which encompassed approximately 21, 500 children, including 1, 970 disadvantaged children. The greatest number of projects were implemented in Sofia, Veliko Turnovo, Varna, Vratsa, Jambol and Haskovo. The partners of the MPES for these projects are the municipal administrations, the regional inspectorates on education, the school boards, the sports organizations and the mass media. The funds for the implementation of the Program in 2009 were from the budget of the MPES and amounted to BGN 904, The total sum from the budget, allocated to the activities of the RCNS Plovdiv for 2009 was BGN 27, From it for the education of children leaders in 3 modules and in holding 2 seminars BGN 10, 000 were allocated from the budget, for the issuing of manuals and information materials BGN 14, 500 and for improving the qualification of the members of the MDC and PIC respectively BGN 2, 500. In 2009 the funds from the municipal budget used by the RCNS Bourgas for prevention activities related to drugs amounted to BGN 11, Of them BGN 1, 500 were for combating and prevention of tobacco smoking, BGN 6, 000 for organizing and holding enterprises in connection with June 26 th The World Day to combat the use and illegal distribution of drugs. Also, BGN 4, 000 from the budget were used for the exchange of good practices. For the training of students from 3 primary schools in prevention of risky behaviour related to the use of narcotic substances BGN 30, 000 were spent, provided through a project won by the NGO and by Bourgas Municipality as a partner. The financial expenditure for activities related to the prevention and to combating drugs of the RCNS Gabrovo for 2009, provided from the Municipal Budget, amounted to BGN 10, They included co-funding amounting to BGN 4, 200 of the Law in Action Project of the Equal Chance 2008 Association implemented in partnership with the association and volunteers from the Youth Council on Drugs Gabrovo. The project was funded by the Youth in Action program of the European Committee and its total cost is EURO 7, Source of information: Ministry of Physical Education and Sports 23 Source of information: Regional Council on Narcotic Substances (RCNS) Plovdiv annual report 24 Source of information: RCNS Bourgas annual report 25 Source of information: RCNS Gabrovo annual report 17

18 The budget funds used by the RCNS and by the PIC the town of Pernik and for prevention and information activities in 2009 amounted to BGN 27, The funds from the republican budget, used by the RCNS Silistra for prevention and information activities in 2009 amounted to BGN 1, 955. In 2009 the budget funds used by the PIC Shumen for the organization of the prevention and information activities amounted to BGN In 2009 the RCNS Shumen received funding from the republican budget as funds for the implementation of the Action Plan of the NADS amounting to BGN 1, The funds from the budget of the RCNS Vidin, used for the activities related to prevention and combating drugs in 2009, amounted to BGN 1, From the budget of the Regional Council on Narcotic Substances in Vratsa in 2009 BGN 10, 000 were used for organizing and presenting a concert No to the Drug with the participation of BTR and John Lotan on the initiative The July from the Balkan to the sea. The rest of the funds for the concert were provided through organizing a charity cocktail and other donors. 30 In relation to limiting the budget expenditures of the Ministry of Health in 2009, including for the national programs and the delay of their funding, not all the planned activities for 2009 of the Action Plan and the National Anti-Drug Strategy, a commitment of the Ministry of Health, were implemented 31. In 2009 The Law in Action Project of the Equal Chance 2008 Association was implemented and this was done in partnership with the RCNS - Gabrovo and with the participation of volunteers from the Youth Council on Drugs Gabrovo. The project was funded after the The Youth in Action Program of the EC and its total cost was EURO 7, In partnership with the RCNS Gabrovo in 2009 the INdependece Project of the Youth Information Network NGO was implemented. The project was funded by the Workshop for civil initiatives Foundation and its total cost was BGN 6, The RCNS Silistra has funded part of its prevention and information activities through funding projects. The total sum for 2009, provided through projects, amounted to BGN 1, Budget 26 Source of information: RCNS Pernik annual report 27 Source of information: RCNS Shumen annual report 28 Source of information: RCNS Shumen annual report 29 Source of information: RCNS Vidin annual report 30 Source of information: report 5 / of the session of the RDC Vratsa 31 Source of information Coordination, Information and Analytical Activities Directorate, MI (draft annual report for the NADS) 32 Source of information: RCNS Gabrovo annual report 33 Source of information: RCNS Gabrovo annual report 34 Source of information: RCNS Silistra annual report 18

19 The RCNS and the PIC are funded by the funds from the state budget, through the municipal budgets, as delegated state activity. The funds provided for 2009 are payments for wages for 27 permanently appointed chair persons and for 27 for secretaries of the RCNS and 65 permanently appointed employees for the PIC teams, as well means of livelihood. Result-oriented funds are granted for prevention activities after the National Program to implement the National Anti-Drug Strategy. In 2009 because of reducing the funds for the National Program to implement the Action Plan of the National Anti-Drug Strategy no funds were granted for the funding of the prevention activities of the PIC. The funds granted from the state budget as well as the funds for the prevention activities after the National Program to implement the Action Plan of the National Anti-Drug Strategy are absolutely inadequate for the implementation of prevention activities and more effective work of the PIC. Social cost There are no current data about the social cost related to the drug use. 19