Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09COPENHAGEN490
2009-11-03 17:45:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Copenhagen
Cable title:  

INCSR - DRAFT REPORT

Tags:  SNAR PREL DA 
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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 

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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.

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