Russian and Central Asian crime groups, which often include connections to Estonian groups, control much of the drug smuggling through Estonia. Estonian authorities report that drug networks from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkey smuggle drugs through Estonia. So far there have been no credible reports that this has occurred. Precursor chemical control and amphetamine production and trafficking are largely uncontrolled due to the lack of legislation. In 1996, police discovered an amphetamine laboratory in Tallinn and confiscated both precursor chemicals and amphetamine.
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.