Portugal is a party to the 1988 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, and continues to support the Convention's goals and objectives. Authorities have reported no cases of corruption among Portuguese officials responsible for counter-narcotics efforts. Portugal has appropriate legislation to control public corruption and punish offenders. Narcotics traffickers exploit Portugal's extensive, minimally-patrolled coastlines and lack of adequate police and intelligence resources. Heroin transits Portugal from the Orient via Eastern Europe and the Baltics.
Cocaine transits Portugal from Brazil and Argentina in increasing amounts.
No opium poppies are known to be grown in Portugal, nor is there any production of cocaine or heroin products. No precursor chemicals are known to be diverted to illicit drug use. Demand reduction has consisted mainly of a few state- run treatment centers and a small educational program. In 1995, the Portuguese government liberalized the law to allow private treatment centers to operate. Many new centers have opened, but it remains unclear to what extent government regulations and standards will apply.