Details were given of the Scientific Intelligence Laboratory which had been established after an experimental period at the Home Office Central Research Establishment at Aldermaston. The Laboratory's task was to co-ordinate scientific intelligence resulting from the analysis of drug seizures and to forward information to the Central Drugs Intelligence Unit in London for nationwide distribution. The Laboratory had links with the DEA laboratories. Over the next 18 months, in view of the resumption of the licit Turkish opium trade, it would be paying particular attention to determining the origin of heroin seizures.
5. Europe
There was a considerable inflow of Asian heroin to Europe. It came mostly by air to Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg or Switzerland whence it was transported overland to the Amsterdam area for subsequent export or for consumption by the city's large addict population. The main operators of this trade were Singaporeans and Malaysians; Hong Kong connection was not strong. There were several indicators that Asian heroin was finding its way into the US and Canada via. Europe and this was difficult to combat. It was clear that much of this traffic was organised by US military personnel in the movement of mail, personnel and effects between the two continents. The DEA was pursuing two main lines of investigation directed at the containerised shipment of troops' household effects from North Germany and the infiltration of the Asian drug trafficking community. Amsterdam was clearly the drug distribution centre for Europe and there were several factors which had led to this situation. There had been a large scale immigration of Surinamese and other Asians many of whom already had a familiarity with heroin which easily deve- loped into a business interest. Additionally the Dutch legal system seriously restricted the use of accepted enforcement techniques. Cocaine was being illicitly imported to Europe from South America. arrived mainly in Italy and Spain although there was evidence that France was also being prospected as a trafficking base. Interpol were making a study of this trade.
The following points arising from the delegates' presentations were discussed:-
It
1. The Proposed Repeal of Laotian Narcotics Legislation
Concern was expressed about the reported intention of the Laotian Government to repeal the law prohibiting the growing of opium. It was pointed out that this legislation was passed when Laos ratified the Single Convention in 1971 and to repeal it would seem to be an abrogation of that treaty. It was thought that the International Narcotics Control Board might be in the best position to influence the situation; the US and UK delegates agreed to consider further with their appropriate authorities the question of whether, and if so how best, so sensitive a political issue might be approached.
Intercepting Thai Trawlers engaged in heroin trafficking
2.
The question of intercepting Thai trawlers carrying heroin to Hong Kong highlighted the need for perfecting the scientific devices used to track the trawlers and to explore further the problems of the mode and point of interception bearing in mind that trawlers seemed now to be tending to make as much for the Malaysian Penisula as for
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