The government is now giving a higher priority to counternarcotics law enforcement than in previous years. This is reflected by GOI progress in pushing through stricter laws, court procedures, and sentencing guidelines. May. This has led to corresponding changes in Iceland's penal code. The key amendments to the penal code affect laws governing the sale and use of alcohol, laws on illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals, customs regulations and penal institutions where convicted felons serve their jail terms. Judges have been passing stiffer sentences.
Sentences now correspond directly to the amount of drugs seized.
The GOI has demonstrated growing concern in the fight against drugs by increasing direct funding to counternarcotics agencies and projects. This year's funding has been channeled specifically to the narcotics police and customs surveillance. A comprehensive restructuring of the police became effective July 1 and is the last step in a five year gradual overall reorganization of law enforcement agencies in Iceland. The NPC falls under the purview of the Minister of Justice. The most serious cases will continue to be handled by the State Prosecutor.