NCJ Number
131007
Journal
Kriminalist Volume: 22 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1990) Pages: 353
Date Published
1990
Length
1 page
Annotation
The article analyzes the growing drug abuse in East Germany and summarizes what countermeasures have been taken.
Abstract
In the former German Democratic Republic, drug problems were limited to medical and pharmaceutical personnel or drugs detected at the border which were usually in transit to West Germany or West Berlin. Since the opening of the borders in 1989, a 225-percent increase in drug seizures at border controls has been noted, and unreported drug crossings are higher. Most of these drugs are small amounts destined for personal consumption or for sharing with East German juveniles at local youth clubs. Though a drug scene does not yet exist in East Germany, the danger is rapidly increasing, especially if one also considers the amphetamines now entering into East Germany from Poland. In view of this threat, a national drug repression policy has been developed which focuses on: (1) more sophisticated means of prevention including public information campaigns; (2) repressive steps including training and advice from West German police forces; and (3) rehabilitation and therapy of future addicts.