VZCZCXYZ0003
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNC #0933/01 3240620
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 200620Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY NICOSIA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8345
INFO RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC
RUEATRS/TREASURY DEPT WASHDC
RUEABND/DEA HQS WASHDC

UNCLAS NICOSIA 000933 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR INL AND EUR/SE 
 
JUSTICE FOR OIA, AFMLS, AND NDDS 
 
TREASURY FOR FINCEN 
 
DEA FOR OILS AND OFFICE OF DIVERSION CONTROL 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SNAR CY
SUBJECT: CYPRUS: 2007-2008 INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRATEGY 
REPORT (INCSR) PART I, DRUGS AND CHEMICAL CONTROL 
 
REF: STATE 155088 
 
¶1.  Per Reftel request, Post submits in para 2 below Part I (Drugs 
and Chemical Control) of the 2006-2007 INCSR.  The report is based 
on an update of last year's published version. 
 
¶2.  BEGIN TEXT 
 
Cyprus 
 
¶I.  Summary 
 
Cyprus has been divided since the Turkish military intervention of 
1974, following a coup d'etat directed from Greece.  Since then, the 
southern part of the country has been under the control of the 
Government of the Republic of Cyprus.  The northern part is 
controlled by a Turkish Cypriot administration that in 1983 
proclaimed itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)," 
recognized only by Turkey.  The U.S. Government recognizes only the 
Government of the Republic of Cyprus and does not recognize the 
"TRNC." This report refers to the Government-controlled area unless 
otherwise specified. 
 
Although Cypriots do not produce or consume significant amounts of 
narcotics, an increase in local drug use continues to be a concern. 
The Government of Cyprus traditionally has had a low tolerance 
toward any use of narcotics by Cypriots and continues to employ a 
public affairs campaign to remind Cypriots that narcotics use 
carries heavy costs, and users risk stiff criminal penalties. 
Cyprus' geographic location and its decision to opt for free ports 
at its two main seaports continue to make it an ideal transit 
country for legitimate trade in most goods, including chemicals, 
between the Middle East and Europe.  To a limited extent, drug 
traffickers use Cyprus as a trans-shipment point due to its 
strategic location and its relatively sophisticated business and 
communications infrastructure.  Cyprus monitors the import and 
export of dual-use precursor chemicals for local markets.  Cyprus 
customs authorities have implemented changes to their inspection 
procedures, including computerized profiling and expanded use of 
technical screening devices to deter those who would attempt to use 
Cyprus free ports for narcotics smuggling.  A party to the 1988 UN 
Drug Convention, Cyprus strictly enforces tough counternarcotics 
laws, and its police and customs authorities maintain excellent 
relations with their counterparts in the U.S. and other 
governments. 
 
II.  Status of Country 
 
Cypriots themselves do not produce or consume significant quantities 
of drugs.  The island's strategic location in the eastern 
Mediterranean creates an unavoidable liability for Cyprus, as Cyprus 
is a convenient stopover for narcotics traffickers moving from 
Southwest Asia to Europe.  Precursor chemicals are believed to 
transit Cyprus in limited quantities, although there is no hard 
evidence that they are diverted for illegal use.  Cyprus offers 
relatively highly developed business and tourism facilities, a 
modern telecommunications system, and the ninth-largest merchant 
shipping fleet in the world. 
 
This year has seen approximately 2.3 million dollars worth of 
illegal narcotics proceeds frozen in several bank accounts. 
Drug-related crime, still low by international standards, has been 
steadily rising since the 1980's.  According to the Justice 
Ministry, drug related arrests and convictions in Cyprus have 
doubled since 1998.  Cypriot law carries a maximum prison term of 
two years for drug users less than 25 years of age with no prior 
police record.  In late 2005, the Courts began to refer most 
first-time offenders to rehabilitation centers rather than requiring 
incarceration. This still continues. Sentences for drug traffickers 
range from four years to life, depending on the substances involved 
and the offender's criminal record. 
 
In an effort to reduce recidivism as well as to act as a deterrent 
for would-be offenders, Cypriot courts have begun sentencing 
distributors to near maximum prison terms as allowed by law.  For 
example, in the second half of 2004, the Cypriot Courts began 
sentencing individuals charged with distributing heroin and ecstasy 
(MDMA) with much harsher sentences, ranging from 8 to 15 years. 
Cypriot law allows for the confiscation of drug-related assets as 
well as the freezing of profits, and a special investigation of a 
suspect's financial records. 
 
Cyprus's small population of soft-core drug users continues to grow. 
 Cannabis is the most commonly used drug, followed by heroin, 
cocaine, and MDMA (Ecstasy), which are available in major towns. 
Reports of narcotic-related overdoses in 2007 were as follows: 
sixteen confirmed drug related deaths. Of the deaths, eight were the 
results of an overdose; eight deaths were indirectly related to 
drugs.  The number of overdose/drug-related deaths increased by six 
as compared to 2006.  The use of cannabis and ecstasy by young 
Cypriots and tourists continues to increase.  The Government of 
Cyprus has traditionally adopted a low tolerance toward any use of 
narcotics by Cypriots and uses a pro-active public relations 
strategy to remind Cypriots that narcotics use carries heavy 
penalties.  The media reports extensively whenever narcotics arrests 
are made.  The Republic of Cyprus has no working relations with 
enforcement authorities in the area administered by Turkish 
Cypriots.  The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, particularly the DEA, within 
the Embassy, nevertheless works with the Turkish Cypriot community 
on international narcotics-related issues.  Turkish Cypriots have 
their own law enforcement organization responsible for the 
investigation of all narcotics-related matters.  They have shown a 
willingness to pursue narcotics traffickers and to provide 
assistance when asked by foreign law enforcement authorities. 
 
III.  Country Actions Against Drugs in 2007 
 
Policy Initiatives. 
 
In May 2004, Cyprus became a member of the European Union (EU). 
Prior to its accession into the EU, Cyprus implemented all the 
necessary requirements to comply with EU regulations.  To meet EU 
regulations, Cyprus established the Anti-Drug Council, which is 
responsible for national drug strategies and programs.  The council 
is chaired by the Health Minister and is composed of heads of key 
agencies with an active role in the fight against drugs. They are 
appointed by the Council of Ministers for a period of three years. 
As the national coordinating mechanism on drug issues in the 
country, the Council's mandate includes the planning, coordination 
and evaluation of all actions and programs and interventions aimed 
at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of drug prevention. 
The Council acts as a liaison between the Republic of Cyprus and 
other foreign organizations concerning drug related issues, as well 
as having the responsibility for promoting legislative or any other 
measures in an attempt to effectively counter the use and 
dissemination of drugs.  Moreover, the Cyprus Anti-Drug Council is 
the responsible body for the strategic development and 
implementation of the National Drugs Strategy and the National 
Action Plan on Drugs aligned with the EU Drugs Strategy. 
 
In connection with EU entry, Cypriot authorities also established 
the Cyprus Police European Union and International Police 
Co-operation Directorate, which replaces a similar operational unit 
established in 2002.  The Division is responsible for cooperating 
with foreign liaison officers appointed to Cyprus, including the 
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Nicosia Country Office 
(NCO), as well as Cypriot liaison officers appointed abroad.  The 
Cyprus Police European Union and International Police Co-operation 
Directorate assisted in the extradition of two individuals to the 
United States arrested on narcotics charges. 
 
The Cyprus Police, Drug Law Enforcement Unit, (DLEU) is the lead 
police agency in Cyprus charged with combating drug trafficking in 
Cyprus.  The DLEU hosts weekly meetings attended by foreign liaison 
officers from the United States (DEA), Greece, United Kingdom, 
Russia, France and Sovereign Base Areas assigned to Cyprus and 
regional liaison officers not assigned in Cyprus from Australia, 
Canada, Germany, and Italy with reporting responsibilities for 
Cyprus.  In 2007, DLEU's budget increased slightly which contributed 
to the continuation of training its members in combating drug 
trafficking.  The appointment of a new DLEU commander in 2006 has 
significantly resulted in the increase of morale, arrest and seizure 
statistics.  The energetic enthusiasm of the new commander has 
radiated throughout the entire DLEU. 
 
In late October 2006, the DEA Office of International Training 
conducted an Asset Forfeiture Training conference in Nicosia, which 
was attended by more that forty law enforcement personnel.  In 2004, 
Cyprus established two new centers for the detoxification and 
rehabilitation of drug addicts.  A new law enacted in Cyprus 
provides judges with the discretion to send convicted drug addicts 
to jail or to one of these centers under certain conditions. 
 
Law Enforcement Efforts 
 
 
Cyprus aggressively pursues drug seizures, arrests, and prosecutions 
for drug violations. Cyprus focuses on major traffickers when cases 
subject to their jurisdiction permit them to, and readily supports 
the international community in efforts against the narcotics trade. 
Cypriot police are generally effective in their law enforcement 
efforts, although their techniques and capacity remain restricted by 
a shortage of financial resources. Through the first eleven months 
of 2007, the Cyprus Police Drug Law Enforcement Unit opened 747 
cases and made 761 arrests, an increase of 74  and 83  respectively 
from last years statistics. Of those arrested 620 were Greek 
Cypriots and 241 were foreign nationals. DLEU seized approximately 
126 kgs of cannabis, 394 cannabis plants, 229 grams of cannabis 
resin (hashish), 1.565 kgs of cocaine, 2,860 tablets MDMA (Ecstasy), 
.5 grams of amphetamines, 4.64 kgs of opium, and 664 grams of 
heroin, and 2 tablets of methadone. 
 
Area administered by Turkish Cypriots: The Narcotics and Trafficking 
Prevention Bureau functions directly under the General Police 
Headquarters.  From January to November 2007, the Turkish Cypriot 
authorities arrested 255 individuals for narcotics offenses and 
seized 15.895 kgs of hashish, 2.635 kgs of heroin, 59 grams of 
cocaine, 634 kgs of opium, 351 cannabis plants, 6332 tablets of 
ecstasy and 257 mgs of ecstasy powder.  Overall, with the exception 
of ecstasy, the police report a decline in drug seizures. 
 
Corruption 
 
There is no evidence that senior or other officials facilitate the 
production, processing, or shipment of drugs, or the laundering of 
the proceeds of illegal drug transactions in either the 
Government-controlled area or the area administered by Turkish 
Cypriots. 
 
Agreements and Treaties 
 
Cyprus is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention, the 1961 Single 
Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1972 Protocol amending the Single 
Convention on Narcotic Drugs, and the 1971 Convention on 
Psychotropic Substances.  Cyprus is a party to the UN Convention 
against Transnational Organized Crime and its three protocols, and 
is a signatory to the UN Convention Against Corruption.  An 
extradition treaty between the United States and Cyprus entered into 
force in September 1999.  A mutual legal assistance treaty (MLAT) 
between the United States and Cyprus entered into force on September 
18, 2002.  Cyprus also became a member of the EU in May 2004. 
 
Area administered by Turkish Cypriots: In 1990, a protocol regarding 
cooperation in the fields of security, trafficking of narcotics and 
psychotropic materials, battling terrorism, technical education and 
social relations was signed between the "TRNC" and the Republic of 
Turkey.  The "TRNC" has no other agreements in this field as Turkey 
is the only country that recognizes it. 
 
Cultivation/Production 
 
Cannabis is the only illicit substance cultivated in Cyprus, and it 
is grown only in small quantities for local consumption.  The 
Cypriot authorities vigorously pursue illegal cultivation.  The 
police seized 394 cannabis plants in the first 11 months of 2007. 
 
Area administered by Turkish Cypriots: The import/export, sale, 
distribution, possession or cultivation of narcotics is viewed as a 
serious offense and sentences of up to 15 to 20 years are not 
unusual.  There have been no reports of large-scale cultivation of 
narcotics, although some individuals have planted cannabis for their 
own personal use. The police seized 351 cannabis plants during the 
first eleven months of 2007; however, claim that the seizures were 
not part of a large-scale cultivation organization. 
 
Drug Flow/Transit: 
 
Although no longer considered a significant transit point for drugs, 
there were several cases of narcotics smuggling in the past year. 
Cypriot law enforcement authorities continued to cooperate with the 
DEA office in Nicosia on several international investigations 
initiated during 2007.  Tourism to Cyprus is sometimes accompanied 
by the import of narcotics, principally ecstasy and cannabis. 
Cyprus police believe that to a large extent their efforts in 
combating drug trafficking have converted Cyprus from a drug transit 
point to a "broker point," in which dealers meet potential buyers 
and negotiate the purchase and transport of future shipments.  This 
 
change is a result of improved conditions in Lebanon: Lebanese 
containerized freight now moves directly to third countries without 
transiting Cyprus.  In the past, Cypriot authorities believed that 
there was no significant retail sale of narcotics occurring in 
Cyprus; however, with new statistics on arrests and seizures of 
narcotics, this theory has changed.  Last year, arrests of Cypriots 
for possession of narcotics with intent to distribute were 
significantly higher than the number of arrests of non-Cypriots on 
similar charges.  There is no production of precursor chemicals in 
Cyprus, nor is there any indication of illicit diversion.  Dual-use 
precursor chemicals manufactured in Europe do transit Cyprus to 
third countries.  The Cyprus Customs Service no longer has the 
responsibility of receiving manifests of transit goods through 
Cyprus.  This responsibility now rests with the Cyprus Ports 
Authority.  Goods entering the Cypriot free ports of Limassol and 
Larnaca can be legally re-exported using different transit 
documents, as long as there is no change in the description of the 
goods transported. 
 
Area administered by Turkish Cypriots: The majority of hashish comes 
from Turkey, whereas heroin comes from Pakistan and Iran via Turkey. 
 Ecstasy and cocaine come from Turkey and England.  The preferred 
method of smuggling illegal narcotics is through concealed 
compartments of vehicles. 
 
Domestic Programs (Demand Reduction) 
 
Cyprus actively promotes demand-reduction programs through the 
school system and through social organizations.  Drug abuse remains 
relatively rare in Cyprus.  Marijuana is the most commonly 
encountered drug, followed by heroin, cocaine, and Ecstasy, all of 
which are available in most major towns.  Users consist primarily of 
young people and tourists.  Recent increases in drug use have 
prompted the Government to promote demand-reduction programs 
actively through the school system and social organizations, with 
occasional participation from the DEA office in Nicosia.  Drug 
treatment is available. 
 
Area administered by Turkish Cypriots: The Turkish Cypriot community 
has introduced several demand reduction programs, including regular 
seminars for school counselors and teachers. 
 
IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs 
 
Policy Initiatives.  The U.S. Embassy in Cyprus, through the 
regional DEA office, works closely with the Cypriot police force to 
coordinate international narcotics investigations and evaluate local 
narcotics trends.  Utilizing its own regional presence, DEA assists 
the new coordination unit in establishing strong working 
relationships with its counterparts in the region.  DEA also works 
directly with Cypriot customs, in particular, on development and 
implementation of programs to ensure closer inspection and 
interdiction of transit containers. 
 
The Road Ahead 
 
The USG enjoys close cooperation with the Cypriot Office of the 
Attorney General, the Central Bank, the Cyprus Police, and the 
Customs Authority in drug enforcement and anti-money laundering 
efforts.  In 2008, the USG will continue to work with the Government 
of Cyprus to strengthen enforcement of existing counternarcotics 
laws and enhance Cypriot participation in regional counternarcotics 
efforts. DEA regularly provides information and insight to the GOC 
on ways to strengthen counternarcotics efforts.  New laws to empower 
members of the Drug Law Enforcement Unit in their fight against drug 
traffickers are currently before Parliament. 
 
END TEXT 
 
SCHLICHER