26.06.2006 · The Government

Intensified campaign against narcotics

The fight against the import of illegal drugs will now be intensified. In the near future, Bárður Nielsen, Minister of Finance, will present a proposal on amending the Customs Act in order to improve customs surveillance. This is one element of the government’s health plan and forms part of the international battle against narcotics.

“There are indications that the use of not only hash, but also stronger substances, such as amphetamine and ecstasy, is becoming more and more common amongst youth in the Faroes. Therefore, we must do more to prevent these substances from entering the country”, says Bárður Nielsen, Minister of Finance.


Intensified campaign against narcotics

The fight against the import of illegal drugs will now be intensified. In the near future, Bárður Nielsen, Minister of Finance, will present a proposal on amending the Customs Act in order to improve customs surveillance. This is one element of the government’s health plan and forms part of the international battle against narcotics.

“There are indications that the use of not only hash, but also stronger substances, such as amphetamine and ecstasy, is becoming more and more common amongst youth in the Faroes. Therefore, we must do more to prevent these substances from entering the country”, says Bárður Nielsen, Minister of Finance.

He proposes several amendments to the Customs Act with the purpose of intensifying customs surveillance and intervention. In the future, customs authorities will have electronic access to information on passengers and goods. The customs authorities will also have authorisation to register information about people who have prior arrests for importing illegal substances.

The data supplied to customs are meant only for the use of the customs authorities, and the goal of this increased surveillance is consistent with the international fight against illicit drugs and the illegal import of goods.

Lastly, the customs authorities shall obtain a dog trained especially for locating narcotics, in addition to the dogs that already work for the customs authorities.

“Soon the customs authorities will have the necessary tools at hand to work more systematically and efficiently. The amendments to the Customs Act are a part of our efforts to expose smuggling now more than ever, especially with regard to illegal drugs,” says Bárður Nielsen, Minister of Finance.