The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is a landlocked country on the Balkan Peninsula in south-eastern Europe. It is bordered by Serbia to the north, Greece to the south, Bulgaria to the east and Albania to the west. Macedonia was admitted to the United Nations in 1993.

The Macedonian community includes several ethnic groups: Macedonian (64.2 %), Albanian (23.2 %), Turkish (3.9 %), Roma (2.7 %), Serb (1.8 %) and several other minority ethnic groups (Vlachos, Bosniak and other). Orthodox Christianity (64.8 %) and Islam (33.3 %) are the two most prevalent religions.

Following elections in 2006 local government functions were divided between 84 municipalities. Municipalities are the units of local government, and neighbouring municipalities may establish cooperative arrangements. The capital, Skopje, is governed as a group of 10 municipalities collectively referred to as the City of Skopje.

Drug use among the general population and young people

Several surveys on drug use among schoolchildren have been conducted in the country in recent years: by the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD)); the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey (HBSC); the UNICEF survey of most at risk adolescents (MARA), Adolescents injecting drugs; the survey of HIV prevalence and risk behaviour in at-risk groups.

To date, no survey on drug use among the general population has been conducted.

The ESPAD first carried out survey in 1999, and repeated it in 2008. The 2008 survey was conducted in 22 cities (randomly selected out of 30 cities, in accordance with the country’s old territorial distribution). In total, 156 first- and second-grade classes from 68 public secondary schools took part in the survey. The total final number of valid questionnaires, taken into consideration for the presentation of the results was 2 452 (ESPAD, 2009).

The 2008 study found:

• 5.5 % of students had used cannabis at some time in their lives, with 4.3 % having used it in the last 12 months and 2.2 % in the last month;
• 3.2 % had used of ecstasy (a 1 % increase since 1999); with 2.1 % having used it in the last 12 months and 1.6 % in the last month;
• inhalant use is rare and usually occurs once or twice. Thus, 1.4 % of students had used it at some time in their lives, 1.1 having used it in the last 12 months and 0.4 % in the last 30 days;
• lifetime prevalence of use of other drugs is insignificant — below one percent (LSD 0.8 %; crack 0.7 %; cocaine 0.9 %; heroin 0.8 %; magic mushrooms 1.2 %; GHB 0.6 %; anabolic steroids 0.9 %; drugs by injecting 0.9 %). 10.1% students had used prescribed tranquillizers or sedatives;
• 10.1 % of students had used tranquillizers at some time in their lives, tranquillizers are the most commonly experienced drug among the students. Female students (11.2 %) use tranquillizers more than male students (9.1 %). It should be noted, that the prescription of tranquillizers by a doctor has doubled, compared to 1999. Approximately 6 % of students had used tranquillizers on one or two occasions in their life;
• since 1999, the use of cannabis has declined and remains low in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia when compared to the other European countries. Use of marijuana is still more popular among male students;
• use of other illicit drugs was similar to the results from 1999;
• in general, male students used more drugs than female students;
• first experience with drugs is usually at the age of 14 and 15.

The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) was conducted in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia twice (in 2002 and in 2006). In 2006, some 4 % of males and 3 % of females reported ever having used cannabis. Less than 5 % of 15-year-old schoolchildren had used cannabis during the last 30 days — 1 % among girls and 2 % among boys (Currie, C. et al., 2008).

top of page

Prevention

In the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the prevention activities mainly are implemented in secondary schools, are lacking a basis in scientific evidence and being without an established systematic programme. However, in the past 10 years several projects for the prevention of drug use, supported by international organisations and foundations, have been set up.

Until recently, there have been no developed prevention programmes that are sensitive in gender, age and culture to the needs of distinct target groups outside the education system. Changes have since been made to the curriculum and programmes as part of the reforms that started in education (especially in secondary education), and plenty of information has been made available for the prevention of drug, nicotine and alcohol use. The Ministry of Education and Science has: (1) implemented activities to inform students, teachers and parents; (2) implemented activities to help people adopt healthy lifestyles; and (3) strengthened international cooperation on these issues.

The Ministry of Education and Science undertakes continuous measures and activities designed to encourage preventive actions, such as organising lectures for pupils, teachers and parents in schools and other educational institutions throughout the country.

During 2009–10, the Ministry for Education and Science in cooperation with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), implemented pilot prevention programs, funded by the Netherlands MATRA, in schools in Skopje, Tetovo and Strumica. In the framework of the two-year project, a training programme was developed; local professional teams were established; and a pilot prevention program was incorporated in participating schools´ yearly programs for 2009/2010. Approximately 2 099 pupils and 41 class professors participated in the preventive workshops during the 2010. In addition, preventive informative materials focusing on alcohol and cannabis were prepared, printed and distributed in the schools.

Sports are a part of school life that encourages a healthy lifestyle and new themes (such as information on drugs, alcohol and tobacco, sex education, HIV/AIDS prevention) have also been introduced as cross-curricular issues to provide students with knowledge and skills for healthy living.

Media campaigns are mainly organised at community level.

Centralised and systematic monitoring and evaluation of preventive programmes does not exist in the country.

The new National Prevention Program to be prepared by the state Inter-ministerial Commission for Control of Drugs will approach drug prevention activities in a comprehensive way and will unite all relevant Ministries: the Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Welfare and Social Policy, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Interior. This would expand the coverage of prevention activities also to other vulnerable groups of young people; young people not covered by education systems (‘young people on the street’), young people in the penitentiary institution. It is foreseen that local governments and NGOs will be active partners in implementation of the activities in future.

top of page

Problem drug use

‘Problem drug use’ is defined by the EMCDDA as ‘injecting drug use or long duration or regular use of opioids, cocaine and/or amphetamines’. This definition specifically includes regular or long-term use of prescribed opioids such as methadone, but does not include their rare or irregular use, nor the use of ecstasy or cannabis. 

Surveys, enumeration, multiplier, capture–recapture and network analysis methods are used to estimate the prevalence of problem drug use in the country. The NFP collected data from treatment and syringe and needle exchange programs, on police contacts and drug-related deaths to estimate the number of problem drug users, mainly opiate users, for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The estimated size of the injecting drug users population is 8 000. The figure obtained correspond to a rate of 1.5 per 1 000 inhabitants aged 15–64.

*Calculated by the MKD NFP, using 1 387 796.844 as the 15–64 population size (Vital statistics average population (x 1 000) in 2010 is 2 055, and Age structure 15–64 years: 67.8 %) (CIA, 2011).

Data for 2009 showed a decrease in the number of drug users in prisons of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia when compared to 2008. In 2009, some 516 prisoners or 24 % of the total prison population were drug users. In 2008, approximately 649 or 31 % from 2 101 prisoners were drug users. Some 386 persons or 75 % of all imprisoned drug users were located in the Idrizovo prison in Skopje. Other prisons have a smaller share of imprisoned drug users, a prison in Bitola — 9 %, a prison in Prilep — 5 %, another prison in Skopje — 4 %, a prison in Tetovo — 3 %, a prison in Shtip — 2 %. Five youngsters were kept in educational corrective facilities for youngsters.

From 2006, the Idrizovo Prison has a methadone maintenance treatment centre with 120 beds for heroin users. The Laboratory for Biochemistry is capable to perform screening tests for presence of psychoactive substances in urine. In 2009, the laboratory performed 731 screening tests (opiates — 315, methadone — 188, benzodiazepines – 137, marijuana — 91).

Starting from July 2010, a professional team consisting of two psychologists, one social worker, started psycho-social treatment of drug users in prisons. Similar activities are ongoing in educational corrective facilities for youngsters in Tetovo, were five drug users were identified. Responsible persons in the educational corrective facilities for youngsters perform periodical screening tests to monitor, detect and prevent drug abuse between their dependents (youngsters in corrective facilities).

top of page

Treatment demand

The treatment demand data for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are based on information from several sources: outpatient treatment centres (11 units from across the country), the Clinic for Toxicology, Department for Detoxification of Drug Abuse and drug treatment units in prison.

In 2008, a total of 10 treatment centres submitted treatment demand data. There were 1 212 clients in treatment, of whom 344 were first-time clients (325 male and 19 female). Some 91.1 % of all clients entering treatment reported opioids (F11 diagnosis by ICD-10) as their primary drug, 7 % reported cannabis and 1.3 % cocaine. Among first-time treatment clients 95 % reported opioids as their main problem substance, followed by 5 % for cannabis and 1 % for benzodiazepines. Some 70 % of first-time treatment clients were in the age group 20–34.

In 2009, a total of 1 277 patients were on treatment, based on data received from the Institute for Public Health, from data only from Neuropsychiatric Departments in the General Hospitals. Five treated clients were in the age group up to 15 years, 39 clients on treatment were in the age group up to 15–19 years of age, 963 clients were in the age group 20–34 years of age and 270 clients were older than 35 years.

The University Clinic of Toxicology offers an alternative way of detoxification with buprenorphine. The Clinic provides a treatment of acute intoxication with opioids and other drugs as well as diagnosis and treatment of potential somatic complications for its clients. In 2010, some 100 opioid addicts started the buprenorphine detoxification programme. This multidisciplinary programme was fully financed by the Ministry of Health. In the beginning of the treatment (a period of 7–10 days) clients are hospitalised. After this period, they continue treatment in outpatient settings with regular controls, laboratory screening tests and they are also advised to receive counselling with a psychiatrist.

Analysis and evaluation of data from all treatment centres, including private psychiatric hospitals in 2010 is currently ongoing and will be presented in the National report.

top of page

Drug-related infectious diseases

The Republican Institute for Public Health collects nationwide data on infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis.

The Government has acknowledged HIV/AIDS as an important public health issue that requires broad involvement by different stakeholders.

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is a low HIV prevalence country and has reported the lowest number of HIV positive cases so far among the countries in the south-eastern European Region. The first HIV infection was registered in the country in 1987 and the first AIDS case in 1989. The first death case from AIDS was registered in 1990.

Data from the Institute of Public Health indicates that a total of 120 reported cases of HIV/AIDS up to 31 December 2009 were registered in the country. Some 95 of them were diagnosed with AIDS, an overwhelming majority were males living in urban areas. In 2009, a total number of eight new HIV and AIDS cases were registered, two of whom had AIDS, and one person died from AIDS. Two newly registered HIV cases with AIDS are 49 and 59 year old males from Skopje. Another six newly identified HIV positive cases are among 23–38 year olds, five of whom are from Skopje and one from Kosovo. Heterosexual transmission was the most common mode of transmission during 1987–2009 accounting for 81 cases, followed by homosexual transmission in 21 cases and injecting transmission in 10 cases. At present, only one registered HIV positive drug user is still alive in the country. The HIV and AIDS cases were reported in age groups 30–39 (47 cases) and 20–29 years (30 cases) 40–49 years (18 cases) and 50–59 cases (15 cases) (Institute for Public Health, 2010).

During 2009, approximately 11 842 HIV diagnostic tests were performed in the country.

Data from the Institute for Public Health indicate:

• in 2006, there were 197 new hepatitis B cases, 145 new hepatitis C cases and one new case of HIV/AIDS;
• in 2007, hepatitis B cases increased to 215, while there were 111 new hepatitis C cases and one case of HIV/AIDS;
• in 2008, hepatitis B cases fell to 159, hepatitis C to 59, and no HIV/AIDS cases were reported;
• in 2009, the number of hepatitis C cases raised to 83.

From all 895 registered hepatitis cases in 2009: 39.9 % have an indeterminate hepatitis virus; 32.4 % have hepatitis A; 18.4 % have hepatitis B and 9.3 % have hepatitis C (Institute for Public Health, 2010).

The data from the Clinic for infectious diseases received by the national focal point indicate:

• in 2009, there were two drug users with hepatitis B; 19 drug users with hepatitis C and one drug user with both hepatitis B and hepatitis C;
• in 2010, there was one drug user with hepatitis B; 15 drug users with hepatitis C and one drug user with both hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

The coverage of mandatory hepatitis B vaccination in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in 2009 was 94.5 % (Institute for Public Health, 2010).

top of page

Drug-related deaths

In the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, drug-related deaths are registered by two countrywide documentation systems: the Police Register of the Ministry of Interior and the General Mortality Register of the National Statistical Office and Institutes for Forensic Medicine.

In 2009, the total number of death cases in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was 19 060, some 613 of whom were violent deaths (State Statistical Office, 2010a). The proportion of violent deaths for the year increased by 2.5 % compared with 2008. Accidents ranked first at 68.0 %, followed by suicides at 27.2 % and homicides at 4.7 % among all violent death cases in 2009. In the sub-category ‘suicides’, deaths caused by ‘hanging, strangulation and suffocation'’ were most frequent at 12.6 %, while in the category ‘homicides’ the dominant cause of death was ''assault by other and unspecified firearm discharge'' with 1.6% of the total number of violent deaths. In the category “accidents”, the group ''transport accidents" was predominant 25.1%, followed by ''other external causes of accidental injury'' with 21.7%, and ''falls'' with 10.6%.

In 2009, 18 male and 2 female death cases were recorded due to accidental poisoning by and exposure to noxious substances. Four males and a female were 15-24 years old, seven males and a female were 25-34 years old, a male and a female were 55 to 64 years old, and two males and two females were older than 65 years at the time of death. In the same year, 15 males and 12 females were deceased as a result of poisoning by solid and liquid substances. One male was 15 to 24 years old at the time of death and other 25 to 34 years old, two males and a female were 35 to 44 years old, five males and four females were 45 to 54 years old, two males and a female were 55 to 64 years old and four males and six females were older than 65 at the time of death. (State Statistical Office, 2010b).

From 2002 to 2007, the total number of drug-related deaths appears to have continuously increased among males, while the number among the female population decreased. While six drug-related deaths were reported in 2002 (four males, two females), this number rose to 19 (all males) in 2007.

The most common cause of death in 2007 was opiate overdose, more precisely heroin. The majority of drug-related deaths are among age 25–29 (63.2 %), followed by age 20–24 (21 %). The majority of drug-related deaths (78.9 %) were related to opiate overdose. Four cases involved opiates and psychoactive drugs, two involved opiates and amphetamines, and two involved opiates and benzodiazepines. Two cases (10.5 %) involved methadone, again mixed with other drugs, and in one case opiates and another amphetamine were detected.

Data for drug-related deaths are collected by the national focal point from three entities: the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Criminology and Medical Deontology at the Medical Faculty in Skopje; the Institute of Forensic Medicine Bitola and the Institute of Forensic Medicine Tetovo. In 2009, the total number of drug-related deaths reported by these entities was 16 (15 men and one female), main cause of death was opioid intoxication — poisoning with heroin. The total number of drug-related deaths reported up to October 2010 by the above-mentioned institutions was 14 (13 male and one female), the main cause of death was opioid intoxication with heroin. An issue which evokes attention is that 34 % of deaths are due to poisoning with methadone.

In 2010, the official data of the Ministry of Interior indicates 17 drug-related death cases (Ministry of Interior, 2011).

The national focal point collaborates continuously with the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction to improve quality of collected data, evaluate and monitor drug-related death in the country.

top of page

Treatment responses

At the national level, drug-related treatment is regularly provided by different systems of health, social and civil society organisations (NGOs). Drug-related treatment is available within the framework of the public health national service network, making the public sector the leading actor in drug-related medically assisted treatment which is recently joined also by three private psychiatric services. Treatment for drug users is available nationwide in nine cities. Eleven established centres are located in Tetovo, Ohrid, Bitola, Gevgelija, Strumica, Kavadarci, Kumanovo, Shtip and Skopje. In Skopje, there are three addiction treatment centers: the Clinical Center, Kisela Voda and one at the Idrizovo prison. The treatment offered in hospitals includes detoxification, psychosocial treatment, medically assisted treatment and health rehabilitation.

The treatment system includes outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment, detoxification and substitution maintenance treatment. The majority of treated drug users receive outpatient treatment, where substitution treatment, psychosocial interventions, individual or group counselling and social and psychotherapy are offered. Inpatient drug treatment consists of psychosocial interventions, pharmacologically assisted in terms of withdrawal treatment. Detoxification treatment may take place in inpatient or outpatient settings.

In total there are three social care centres, 11 centres for the treatment of drug abusers, one therapeutic community, one hospital with facilities for inpatient treatment and two with facilities for detoxification.

Methadone was introduced as a substitution substance in 1992, and it remains the main substance prescribed for substitution maintenance treatment. Buprenorphine, which was introduced in 2010, is also used in detoxification and substitution treatment in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Approximately 1 232 drug users are included in the methadone maintenance treatment programme, and receive the substance daily or weekly.

In order to respond effectively to the needs of the target group, further expansion of the network of services is planned, and new models for the treatment of dependent drug users will be introduced, in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine.

top of page

Harm reduction responses

The harm reduction activities aim to reduce mortality and morbidity among drug users. The low threshold measures implemented in the country significantly contributes to the achievement of the aim, and they are recognised as important elements of the drug-related response.

The harm reduction activities are implemented in a nationwide network of needle and syringe programs through outreach work, and in drug help centres. The last offers first aid and social care services in emergency cases.

Fifteen needle exchange programmes (units) were identified, which are managed by local NGOs. In 2008, the needle exchanges programs have contact with 1 615 regular clients, all injecting drug users. Of these, 80 % were single, and most were unemployed and lived with their parents; 95 % injected heroin. Some 50 % of the people in the harm reduction needle exchange programme tested positive for HIV/hepatitis B and C.

The results of the ongoing evaluation of harm reduction programs will be presented in a National report.

top of page

Drug markets and drug-related offences

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is on the route of illicit trafficking of drugs (Balkan drug trafficking route). South-west Asia, mainly Afghanistan, remains the main source for heroin. There has been a noticeable increase in the trafficking of cannabis via the country in recent years. The main route of cannabis and its derivates is from Albania, via the north-western to the south-eastern part of the country in the direction of Greece and Bulgaria. Heroin comes most often from Turkey, Bulgaria or Greece in the direction of Albania or Serbia, cocaine is taken by air via Skopje airport or by sea to ports in Albania and Bulgaria, while synthetic drugs come most frequently from the direction of Bulgaria and Serbia.

A new trend that occurred in 2009 and was sustained in 2010 relates to higher amounts of seizures of nationally originating marijuana (i.e. grown in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia). In previous years, criminal groups in Albania were the main procurement source of marijuana. If in 2009, illicit fields of cannabis or dried marijuana appeared mainly in the north-west part of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, then in 2010 illicit fields were discovered also in the south, the south-west, the central and the central-eastern parts of the country. The joint inspections by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Agriculture succeeded in discovering and dismantling illicit cannabis fields (Table 1).

The data from the Ministry of Justice indicate that the number of persons who committed drug law offences has increased in the period 2005–09 for the following crimes; ‘Unauthorised production and release for trade of narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursors’ (Article 215 of the Criminal Code) and ‘Enabling the taking of narcotics psychotropic substances and precursors’ (Article 216 of the Criminal Code).

Table 1: Seizures of drugs in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 2009–10

Source: Ministry of Interior and Custom Administration of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.   

top of page

National drug laws

The main legislative instruments for drug-related issues are:

• the law for narcotic drugs;
• the national drug strategy;
• the national drug strategy implementation action plan;
• the law for precursors;
• the rule of laws for law for precursor;
• customs law;
• the law for criminal procedures;
• the code of conduct;
• the law for tracing communications;
• the law for dealing with and freezing confiscated properties in criminal cases;
• the law for preventing money laundering from criminal offences;
• the law for health evidence.

The law for narcotic drugs elaborates:

• the prevention and suppression of the abuse of narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances;
• the prevention of illegal production and trade of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and plants that can be used to produce narcotic drugs, and substances that can be used to produce narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances;
• protection of human life and health, and control of narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances.

The Criminal Code, Articles 215 and 216, regulates the unauthorised production and release for trade of narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursors as well as enabling the taking of narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursors. The possession of narcotic drugs for personal use is not allowed in accordance with the Criminal Code. Furthermore, a person who induces another to take narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursors, or who gives narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursors to another for this person or someone else, or who makes available premises for the taking of narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursors, or in some other way enables another to take narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursors, shall be punished with imprisonment of three months to five years. If the crime is committed toward a juvenile, or toward several persons, or if it causes especially severe consequences, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment of one to 10 years.

The law for the control of precursors introduces the system of monitoring and control of licit trade and control of precursors, with the aim of preventing smuggling and the diversion of precursor from licit to illicit channels. The overall objectives of the law are the protection of human health and the environment from the harmful effects of some precursors. Because one part of the precursors is made up of chemicals and one part of active medical ingredients, the whole framework of control of precursors is amended with the adoption of two new laws, for the control of chemicals and on medicinal products and medical devices, all of them harmonised with EU legislative instruments in 2007. In addition to the control of precursors listed in the UN Convention of 1988, the law on chemicals is important for controlling the substances included on the limited International Special Surveillance lists.

top of page

National drug strategy

The national drug strategy was adopted in December 2006. The national drugs strategy is in line with the European Union drugs strategy 2005–12. The principles, goals and priorities established by the national drug strategy 2006–12 are elaborated further in the pre-implementation drug action plan 2007–08, and a national drugs action plan 2009–12.

The action plan works towards an efficient, coordinated and multidisciplinary approach to the fight against drug abuse, undertaking measures for increasing the awareness and knowledge of the general public about the controlled psychoactive substances that cause addiction; the prevention of use of psychoactive substances especially among young people; measures for encouraging healthy lifestyles; promotion of measures for the protection of the family; reducing health and social drug-related consequences; including all sectors of society in the activities related to the fight against drug abuse.

The National Drug Strategy (2006–12) sets out two general aims:

1. Attainment of a high level of health protection, well-being and social cohesion by complementing action in preventing and reducing drug use, dependence and drug-related harms to health and society.
2. To ensure a high level of security for the general public by taking action against drug production, cross-border trafficking in drugs and diversion of precursors, and by intensifying preventive action against drug-related crime.

Two main dimensions of national drug policy (two ‘pillars’) drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction are complemented by three cross-cutting themes, coordination, international cooperation and monitoring, information, research and evaluation.

top of page

Coordination mechanism in the field of drugs

The Government has established the Inter-ministerial Commission for Narcotic Drugs (IMCND), to tackle the illegal production, trade and use of drugs. The Bureau of Medicines, Ministry of Health, carry out the expert and administrative work related to the tasks of the commission.

The IMCND consists of representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Local Self-Government, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, Ministry of Finance, the Customs Office and the Agency for Youth and Sport.

The IMCND sets out tangible goals within three main themes: (1) rule of law; (2) policy and trend analysis; (3) prevention, treatment and reintegration. It promotes effective responses to drugs crime, by facilitating the implementation of relevant international legal instruments; it promotes an effective and fair criminal justice system through the use and application of United Nations and EU standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice. It has enhanced knowledge of trends for effective policy implementation, operational response and impact assessment in drugs and crime, risk analysis and scientific and forensic capacity. This expertise contributes to a powerful, knowledge-based policy analysis, coherence of programmes, quality control and knowledge management systems.

The Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, and Customs Office signed a memorandum for mutual close cooperation in tackling drugs and creating an early warning system for new drugs on the market (through collaboration between laboratories).

The National Centre for Monitoring of Drugs and Drug Addiction of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (the national focal point) was officially created in May 2007 by the Governmental decree. The national focal point is led by the head of the sector for controlled substances within the Pharmaceutical Agency at the Ministry of Health. The NFP is located in the premises of the Ministry of Health. Most of the ministries and institutions involved in drug-related issues provide data to the NFP.

The Directorate for the Prevention of Money Laundering, as an administrative part of the Ministry of Finance, is responsible for financial intelligence, collecting, evaluating, analysing and keeping data for activities connected with the prevention of both money laundering and the finance of terrorism.

The Agency for Freezing and Confiscating Properties, in collaboration with responsible judicial division, is responsible for: governance of confiscated properties to protect their value; holding confiscated properties; preparing statistical reports; selling or destroying confiscated properties (for example, burning seized narcotic drugs).

top of page

References

Currie, C., Nic Gabhainn, S., Godeau, E., et al. (eds) (2008), ‘Risk behaviour: tobacco use, alcohol use, cannabis use, sexual behaviour, fighting, bullying’, Inequalities in young people’s health: HBSC international report from the 2005/2006 survey, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen.

CAN (2004), ‘ESPAD report 2003’, 2004:25. ISBN 91-7278-103-3.

Central Intelligence Agency (2011), The CIA World Factbook 2011.

City of Skopje (2008), ‘Local strategy on drugs and Action plan for drugs for the City of Skopje 2008–2013’, Skopje, 11-2.

ESPAD Report 2008: Republic of Macedonia (2009), Medical faculty, Institute for Social Medicine, 84 pp.

HOPS (2008), ‘Rapid assessment and response on the needs for implementation of drug prevention activities among secondary school students in the City of Skopje’, Skopje, 2008, pp. 24–33.

Institute for Public Health (2010), Health and Health Protection of the population in the Republic of Macedonia in 2010, Institute for Public Health.

Ministry of Interior (2011), Report ‘Analytical indicators of the conditions with illicit drug trafficking in 2010’, Ministry of Interior

Republic Institute for Health Protection (2008), ‘Global School-Based Student Health Survey Results’, Skopje, 2008.

State Statistical Office (2008a), Macedonia in figures 2008, Skopje, 2008. ISSN 1409-665X.

State Statistical Office (2008b), ‘Statistical review: Population and Social statistics: Primary, lower secondary and upper secondary schools at the beginning of the school year 2007/2008’, Skopje, June 2008, pp. 30–42.

State Statistical Office (2010a), Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Macedonia, 2010

State Statistical Office (2010b), News Release Year XLVIII Broj/No: 2.1.10.20, ‘Violent deaths in 2009 Republic of Macedonia in 2010’, Institute for Public Health.

UNICEF (2008), Children in FYR Macedonia, a situation analysis February 2008, 89 pp

UNICEF, Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, University ‘Kiril i Metorij’ Skopje (2007), Mapping and community-based research study on most at risk adolescents to HIV/AIDS/STI, 2007:52.

top of page

Working group of the Country overview

Tatjana PETRUSEVSKA, Pharm Spec MBA, Head of Sector for controlled substances, Bureau for Medicines, Ministry of Health

Prof.d-r Daniela CHAPAROVSKA, MD, Ph.D. Clinic for toxicology, University Clinical Center ‘Sv.Kiril i Metodij’

Vesna STAMBOLIJEVA, MD. Prim. Spec Institute for Public Health

Zlatko JAKOSKI, MD Assistant PhD, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Criminology and Medical Deontology