US DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS MATTERS INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRAGEGY REPORT APRIL 1994 CYPRUS I. Summary Cyprus neither produces nor consumes significant amounts of narcotics. Its location in the eastern Mediterranean, and its well developed facilities for business, tourism and international communications, make Cyprus a convenient brokering site for traffickers. The Government of Cyprus (GOC) ratified the 1988 UN Convention in 1990. Cyprus developed a broad range of laws to meet the goals and objectives of the 1988 UN Convention. Police and customs authorities strictly enforce these laws, and cooperate closely with the USG and other foreign governments. Authorities control the movement of bullion and currency, which deters traffickers from using Cyprus as a financial haven. The Central Bank monitors monetary activities, preventing widespread drug money laundering activities. II. Status of Country Cyprus is not a producer or a significant consumer of narcotics. Authorities believe cannabis is the most widely abused illicit drug, but some heroin is used as well. Cyprus is not a significant producer or importer of precursor and essential chemicals. It has a system of voluntary control of such chemicals. Cyprus' system of monetary and financial controls discourages potential money laundering operations. Officials have no evidence that such activities take place. III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1993 Accomplishments. The GOC has entered a number of bilateral narcotics agreements. These included an agreement with the Italy to exchange information on drug trafficking through the Balkans; a security cooperation agreement with Greece, with particular emphasis on terrorism, organized crime, and drug use and trafficking; and agreements with the Czech and Slovak republics to join forces to combat organized crime and drug trafficking. Agreements and Treaties. Cyprus, which ratified the 1988 UN Convention in 1990, has strengthened penalties for trafficking and adopted laws for the confiscation of profits and assets obtained from drug trafficking, and is meeting the goals and objectives of the Convention. Cyprus is also a party to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs, its 1972 Protocol, and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. The US and Cyprus signed a customs mutual assistance agreement in 1987, The two countries have long had an extradition treaty;negotiations are underway to update it. Law Enforcement Efforts. The government enforces drug laws strictly, and, in most cases, the judicial process operates effectively. Narcotics-related criminal penalties range from several months to eight years, with longer sentences handed down to traffickers and dealers. In 1993 Cypriot authorities made 123 narcotics-related arrests, compared to 62 in 1992. The de facto division of the island into an area controlled by the Cypriot government and a Turkish speaking northern area, which is beyond its control, limit international enforcement cooperation. GOC enforcement authorities have no direct working relations with Turkish Cypriot enforcement authorities, or with Turkish enforcement officials. Corruption. Corruption is restricted to isolated instances. Cyprus prosecutes any public officials who facilitate the production, processing or shipment of narcotic and psychotropic drugs and other controlled substances, or who discourage the investigation or prosecution of such acts. Cultivation/Production. The only known production is the limited, but increasing, cultivation of cannabis for individual use. Drug Flow/Transit. The Cyprus police believe that their efforts to combat drug trafficking have converted Cyprus from a drug transit point to a brokering site for dealers. Cyprus' location in the eastern Mediterranean, its proximity to Lebanon, its highly developed business and tourism facilities, and its modern telecommunications system attract traffickers to Cyprus, where they can arrange deals with third-country buyers. GOC authorities believe that traffickers continue to smuggle some heroin and cannabis resin in the substantial ship cargo traffic which passes through Cyprus. However, authorities believe this traffic may be decreasing because of improved stability in Lebanon, permitting Lebanese containerized freight to be shipped directly, without transiting Cyprus. Demand Reduction Programs. The GOC encourages demand reduction and drug use prevention, and supports private sector drug awareness programs. IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs The USG and GOC cooperate closely on narcotics-related cases. In November, Cypriot authorities quickly assented to the USG's request to conduct and complete a thorough search of a Cypriot-registered vessel suspected of carrying illicit drugs in international waters. A USG interagency team met with Cypriot officials and began the negotiation of the extradition treaty. The Road Ahead. The USG anticipates continued excellent cooperation from both the Cyprus Police and Cyprus Customs. The USG will encourage the GOC to enact laws which would broaden and enhance narcotics law enforcement activities, particularly on police undercover operations, electronic surveillance, controlled deliveries and asset seizures. [Chart: Statistical Tables]