NCJ Number
143015
Date Published
1992
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This chapter analyzes drug legislation in Finland and other Nordic countries; the scope of drug use, namely consumption, importation, physical harm, and offense patterns, in Scandinavia; the organization of the drug trade within the region; and Nordic drug policy in the context of the forthcoming political and economic integration of Europe.
Abstract
The use of illegal drugs is slight in Finland and Nordic countries in comparison to other European nations and mostly is limited to cannabis. Currently, no credible evidence exists to suggest that criminal organizations are involved in drug trafficking. Efforts on the part of the Scandinavian governments to implement tighter control of illegal drugs in the past decade include imposing increasingly severe punishment and focusing law enforcement on youthful offenders. Official policy has been relatively unconcerned about prevention, treatment, or resocialization. The present situation is not regarded as alarming, but the Nordic countries fear possible threats to their national integrity. As it is easy to open bank accounts without threat of police investigation, Finnish banks offer international drug dealers the opportunity to launder money. 5 notes, 4 tables, and 23 references