Police strongly suspect that an amphetamine laboratory is located on Estonia's border with Latvia. Moreover, the marked increase in seizures of small amounts from users, weak legislation, widespread availability of highly educated unemployed or underemployed chemists, and the availability of laboratory equipment from closed chemical laboratories suggest that amphetamine production may increase. Estonian authorities are also concerned about financial crimes, especially money laundering, as Estonia's role as a regional financial center grows. The working group includes representatives from the Central Bank, Ministries of Justice and Finance, as well as the economic police. Most Estonian authorities believe, however, that the major part of the funds laundered in Estonian banks are from tax evasion and from sources other than narcotics.
Drug abuse appears to be minimal, but increasing in Estonia, according to health authorities.
Country Action Against Drugs in 1996 Policy Initiatives. The GOE made progress in developing new antidrug legislation which would include key drug provisions to allow for ratification and implementation of the 1988 UN Convention. This legislation, if adopted, will reduce penalties for users, but raise them for traffickers and dealers. GOE has taken some steps to implement an antidrug strategy, but with limited impact. One officer in each police prefecture is specifically responsible for drug matters along with many other responsibilities.