Nigerian traffickers are believed to be using Hungary as a transit point for drugs. Most of the drugs transiting Hungary, particularly heroin and cocaine, are destined for lucrative and well-established West European markets, but increasing amounts remain in the country. GOH officials are concerned about growing heroin use and rising use of the designer drug ecstasy. Hungary has a well-developed chemical production industry, but GOH officials do not consider it a significant source of precursor and essential chemicals. Although money laundering was made a crime in Hungary in 1994, weak internal banking controls continue to make financial institutions vulnerable to money laundering.
Hungarian officials are unable to verify the extent of money laundering.
Country Actions Against Drugs in 1995 Hungary has not yet ratified the 1988 UN Convention, though it completed passage in 1995 of all the subsidiary legislation to harmonize existing laws with the Convention's requirements. The GOH also started a national mental health awareness program in 1995, which includes a drug abuse awareness component. Hungary is expanding cooperation with the European Union and individual European countries, and is working closely with the United Nations. The Hungarian demand reduction program, operated by the IDC, coordinates efforts by 15 different government ministries and agencies. In 1995, the IDC focused on increasing the availability of drug abuse treatment programs, including programs for prisoners.