NCJ Number
124681
Journal
Security Management Volume: 34 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1990) Pages: 46-52
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
During the past ten years, international drug trafficking in Western Europe has increased to an unprecedented and undreamed of level. Developments such as the Single European Act, the 1988 UN Drug Convention, and declarations of cooperation among the Group of Seven are raising the level of European drug law enforcement efforts.
Abstract
Although the Single European Act, which will take effect on January 1, 1993, will remove trade and economic barriers between the member States, with one side effect being the acceleration of the rate of cross-frontier criminal activity, to date, most law enforcement mechanisms against illicit drug trafficking are found at the member State level. However, several European Community institutions have implemented regulatory measures. In 1986, the EC Council agreed to cooperate with the Pompidou Group to prosecute drug traffickers, coordinate legal action, and intensify police and customs cooperation. The EC Commission has adopted a comprehensive proposal regarding prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and research as well as the establishment of a European information system on the drug problem. The European Parliament set up an inquiry committee on the member State drug problem, emphasized the need for international legislation, and urged the EC Council to develop new cooperative strategies. The Trevi Group, which focuses on counterterrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime, has taken steps toward stronger cooperation in combating drug trafficking. As both individuals, governments, and the community undertake efforts to regulate the narcotics trade and related money transactions, the growth of community law will impact on the movement of goods, services, and people within the community's borders. The Council of Europe (COE) is working with the European Council to avoid duplication of efforts and to find ways to cooperate more fully. EC adherence to the UN Drug Convention should enhance criminal cooperation, facilitate extradition and investigation assistance, and increase penalties for illicit trafficking. 25 notes.