VZCZCXYZ0012
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHCP #0490/01 3071745
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 031745Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY COPENHAGEN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5286

UNCLAS COPENHAGEN 000490 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR DRL:JLYLE, EUR/NB 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SNAR PREL DA
SUBJECT:  INCSR - DRAFT REPORT 
 
REF:  STATE 97228 
 
(U)  SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED--NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION. 
 
¶1.  (SBU)  There follows post's submission for the annual 
International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) for 
Denmark: 
 
¶I. Summary 
 
Denmark's relatively central geographic location and status as one 
of Europe's transportation hubs make it an attractive drug 
destination and transit country.  The Danish authorities cooperate 
closely with counter-narcotics authorities in their Scandinavian 
neighbors, the European Union (EU), and the U.S. government (USG) to 
prevent the transit of illegal drugs. Additionally, building on a 
multi-year partnership, Denmark now plays an important role in 
helping the Baltic states combat narcotics trafficking.  Danish 
authorities acknowledge that the European Union's open border 
environment and high volume of international trade will inevitably 
result in a certain level of illegal drug shipments transiting 
Denmark undetected.  Nonetheless, regional cooperation has 
contributed to substantial heroin and increased cocaine seizures 
throughout the Scandinavian/Baltic region.  Denmark is a party to 
the 1988 UN Drug Convention and bilateral U.S.-Denmark 
counter-narcotics cooperation is excellent. 
 
II. Status of Country 
 
Drug traffickers routinely use Denmark's comprehensive 
transportation network to bring illicit drugs to Denmark for 
domestic consumption and transshipment to other Nordic and European 
countries.  Danish police report that drugs from the Balkans, 
Russia, the Baltic nations, and Central Europe routinely pass 
through Denmark en route to other EU states and the U.S., although 
the amount flowing to the U.S. is very small.  Police authorities do 
not believe that entities based or operating in Denmark play a 
significant role in the production of drugs or in the trading and 
transit of precursor chemicals. 
 
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2009 
 
Policy Initiatives.  EU legislation passed in 2008 requires persons 
carrying cash or instruments exceeding 10,000 Euros to report the 
relevant amount to Customs officials upon entry to or exit from 
Denmark.  As organized crime and drug traffickers have attempted to 
evade these constraints, Danish Customs has intercepted increased 
levels of illegal funds.  This, in turn, has had a favorable impact 
on drug-related investigations, where illicit sales are almost 
always conducted on a cash basis. 
 
Law Enforcement Efforts.  Over the past four years there has been a 
significant increase in cocaine seizures by police authorities in 
Denmark.  Cocaine investigations and seizures remain the top 
priority of counter-narcotics police efforts in Denmark.  According 
to the Danish National Police, the increase in cocaine seizures can 
be attributed to police efforts to fight organized crime with 
systematic, focused investigations aimed at specific recognized 
criminal groups and networks.  The police remain committed to "goal 
oriented and systematic efforts" to fight organized crime close 
cooperation with the European police intelligence center Europol and 
with other foreign police authorities.  Police authorities state 
that cocaine trafficking in Denmark is controlled primarily by 
Serbian, Montenegrin and Moroccan nationals, with most supplies 
originating from South America.  Police continue to target the 
distribution system for illegal drugs by prosecuting members of the 
Hell's Angels and Banditos motorcycle gangs and immigrant gangs for 
violations of Denmark's strict tax laws.  Authorities focus on tax 
evasion by members of gangs because successful prosecutions disrupt 
their networks and significantly impede their ability to traffic 
illegal drugs.  Heroin availability in Denmark fluctuates closely 
with the levels of heroin production in Afghanistan - it is 
traditionally smuggled into Denmark via the Balkans.  Turkish, 
Afghan, Iranian and Pakistani nationals control much of the heroin 
trafficking in Denmark.  West African groups routinely utilize drug 
couriers to smuggle cocaine via commercial flights from various 
European cities.  According to police, a recent development is the 
active participation of Middle Eastern groups in cocaine trafficking 
to Denmark.  Lastly, authorities in Denmark, as well as those in 
other Nordic countries, have noted an increase in the indoor 
cultivation of marijuana by ethnic Vietnamese immigrant groups. 
 
Law enforcement statistics from 2008 year-end show a mixed picture 
relative to the quantities of Ecstasy pills, heroin, hashish, 
amphetamines, and cocaine seized by Danish authorities.  The number 
of Ecstasy pills significantly decreased from 82,400 pills in 2007 
to 17,600 pills in 2008.  The quantity of heroin seized also 
decreased, but less significantly, from 48 kilograms in 2007 to 44 
kilograms in 2008.  Meanwhile, the amount of amphetamines seized in 
2008 (120 kilograms) strongly increased from 2007 figures (70 
kilograms).  Similarly, the amount of hashish seized greatly 
increased from 877 kilograms in 2007 to 2,914 kilograms in 2008. 
Marijuana likewise showed an increase from 70 kilograms in 2007 to 
170 kilograms in 2008.  Lastly, cocaine seizures by Danish police 
fell from 92 kilograms in 2007 to 56 kilograms in 2008.  Initial 
figures for 2009 (first 9 months) show that Danish authorities have 
seized of 61 kilograms of amphetamines, 48,000 pills of Ecstasy, 748 
kilograms of hashish, 12 kilograms of heroin, and 55 kilograms of 
cocaine. 
 
Corruption.  Denmark prohibits the unlicensed production and 
distribution of narcotics and other controlled substances, as well 
as the laundering of proceeds from illegal drug transactions. 
According to judicial records, no senior Danish official has been 
charged or alleged to have participated in activities associated 
with illegal drugs in either 2008 or 2009. 
 
Agreements and Treaties.  Denmark is a party to the 1988 United 
Nations (UN) Drug Convention, the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic 
Substances, and the 1961 UN Single Convention, as amended by the 
1972 Protocol.  Denmark is also party to the UN Convention Against 
Transnational Organized Crime, as well as its associated Protocols 
Against Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons and the UN 
Convention Against Corruption.  The U.S. and Denmark have a Mutual 
Customs Assistance Agreement and an Extradition Agreement.  The two 
countries have concluded protocols to strengthen the Mutual Customs 
Assistance Agreement and Extradition Agreement and have exchanged 
Instruments of Ratification.  The strengthening protocols will enter 
in force at the same time as the parallel U.S.-EU agreements come 
into effect.  Finally, Denmark is a major contributor to the UN 
Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), committing approximately $2.0 
million annually to the organization. 
 
Cultivation/Production.  There is no suspected major cultivation or 
production of illegal drugs in Denmark.  There are no suspected MDMA 
(ecstasy) laboratories in Denmark. 
 
Drug Flow/Transit.  Denmark remains a transit country for drugs on 
their way to neighboring European states due to its relatively 
central location, efficient transportation system, and open borders. 
 The ability of Danish authorities to interdict illegal drug traffic 
is constrained by EU's open border policies.  The Danish police 
report that the smuggling of cannabis into Denmark is typically 
carried out by road, originating from the Netherlands and Spain. 
Amphetamines are also smuggled from the Netherlands, via Germany, to 
Denmark.  Once in country, illegal drugs are typically distributed 
by the two largest motorcycle gangs, as well as smaller 
immigrant-based gang networks.  Amphetamines from Poland and 
Lithuania are reportedly transshipped through Germany. 
 
Domestic Programs/Demand Reduction.  Denmark's Ministry of Health 
estimates there are approximately 27,000 persons addicted to illegal 
drugs in Denmark.  According to a government-sponsored study in 
2008, among 16-34 year olds, 48 percent report having tried cannabis 
at least once, 10.5 percent reported at least one instance of 
amphetamine use, and 9.5 percent have tried cocaine at least one 
time.  Compared to a similar 2003 report, reported usage was up 
slightly in all surveyed categories.  The government strategy to 
combat drug abuse is multi-faceted; combining education, 
interdiction, prosecution (particularly against organized crime and 
gang activity), medical treatment, and social assistance.  Denmark 
has established extensive programs to combat drug abuse in schools 
and its prison system.  In 2008, the Danish government dedicated 
significant additional resources to its drug treatment facilities 
and programs. 
 
IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs 
 
Bilateral Cooperation.  U.S. counter-narcotic strategy in Denmark is 
to cooperate closely with Danish authorities in identifying, 
interdicting and prosecuting international drug traffickers.  The 
U.S. also participates in joint investigations when requested. 
Finally, the U.S. coordinates counter-narcotic strategy with all 
eight countries of the Nordic-Baltic regions.  The USG enjoys 
excellent cooperation with its Danish counterparts on all 
counter-narcotics issues.  The Drug Enforcement Administration 
located in the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen coordinates bilateral 
cooperation with the Danish government. 
 
Future Plans.  Danish law enforcement authorities should soon be 
greatly facilitated in their counter-narcotics effort by pending 
legislation that will allow them expanded use of informants in 
counter-narcotics operations.  It is also anticipated that Danish 
law enforcement authorities will receive additional financial 
resources as the corrosive effect of illegal drug activity is now 
widely discussed and condemned in Danish society.  The border-free 
environment of the EU makes trafficking easier in many ways, but 
Danish authorities have expanded their intelligence gathering and 
are now more focused in interdicting illegal flows, apprehending 
traffickers, and successfully prosecuting them in the judicial 
system.  Lastly, the Danish government is dedicated to expanding its 
drug education and programs to both prevent new victims and rescue 
those who are currently addicted.  The USG, specifically through its 
DEA office at the U.S. Embassy will continue to cooperate and share 
appropriate information with Danish counter-narcotic authorities and 
build upon the already strong bilateral program. 
 
FULTON