Other new regulations implemented in 1997 improve the government's capabilities in asset seizure and forfeiture, as well as expedite extradition and expand judicial assistance. In 1997, Austria joined the EU's Drug Prevention Program and is currently working to implement the EU-wide early warning mechanism for synthetic drugs. The second annual country report on the drug situation in Austria was completed in November 1997. Law Enforcement Efforts . The number of drug-related criminal offenses in Austria increased by 23.7 percent to 16,196 in 1996.
Authorities believe that one out of two criminal offenses is drug-related.
Although data for 1997 are not yet available, law enforcement officials expect a further rise of those figures. The number of seizures rose by 21 percent compared to 1995. A major narcotics case prosecuted in the US in 1996 with the cooperation of Austrian authorities resulted in four sentences passed in 1997 ranging from twelve years to life imprisonment. The GOA has generally applicable public corruption laws. Agreements and Treaties .