Algeria

Country Map and Statistics

The hydrocarbons sector is the backbone of Algeria's economy accounting for 25% of GDP, 57% of government revenues, and nearly all export earnings. Algeria has the fifth largest reserves of natural gas in the world and ranks fourteenth for oil. GDP composition by sector is: 12% agriculture, 50% industry, and services 38%. Algeria is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and ranks number 82 on the Human Development Index.

Despite substantial progress toward economic adjustment, in 1992 the economic reform was stalled as Algeria became embroiled in serious political turmoil. Elections in 1992 resulted in Islamic fundamentalist groups winning the majority of the seats. The election results, however, were soon nullified by the Government, and this has led to serious political violence with Islamic fundamentalists fighting the authorities. The violence has claimed numerous lives.

Overview of Drug Control Situation

This political situation has not affected the country's position on illicit drugs, as the Government has remained strongly committed to the fight against drugs, and it has been attending CND meetings and responding to INCB. s requests for reporting.

Since 1991, Algeria has not provided any voluntary contribution to UNDCP.

Algeria has ratified all the international drug conventions and there is no significant illicit drug production reported.

Algeria reported modest seizures of cannabis to UNDCP (1995: 1,5 kg). Some heroin has also been reported seized (1995: 0.1 kg). All seizure figures show a declining trend compared with previous years.  However, the 1997 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report and the OGD Atlas Mondial des Drogues mention export of Moroccan cannabis to Algeria, possibly also for onward transport to Europe. There are also frequent reports on North African countries being affected by transit trafficking of heroin and cocaine. These reports, however, have not yet been substantiated by third party data. A report of the Government of Algeria indicates that 70 - 75% of the seized drugs were intended for transit trafficking.

Seventy percent of Algeria's population is under 30 years. This together with prevailing high unemployment rates constitutes a potential threat towards increasing dug abuse, especially in urban areas. According to information provided by the Government of Algeria at the 1996 Demand Reduction Forum in Tunisia, cannabis, opium and Benzodiazepines (depressants) are the most abused drugs in the country. This report also points to recent appearance of abuse of heroin and cocaine.

The Direction Generale de la Sureté Nationale (DGSN) in the Ministry of Interior is responsible for combating illicit drugs in the country. DGSN has been a regular participant in the annual meetings of the Arab Office for Narcotic Affairs, which is part of the Arab Interior Ministers Council.

Algeria has an inter ministerial committee to oversee drug control matters in the country. The committee, however, lacks the ability to ensure an effective implementation of its decisions, and to provide effective co-ordination among the various government agencies involved in drug control matters.

UNDCP has had a small law enforcement training project in Algeria that trained three Algerian officers in advanced law enforcement techniques through on the job training with the French anti drug police forces.