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September 26, 2005

Romania, United States sign drug cooperation deal

Romania and the United States will cooperate more closely in fighting drug trafficking, according to an agreement signed Monday.

As part of the deal, the U.S. State Department will grant Romania US$1.75 million (A1.45 million) to train and equip its police force to investigate drug crimes.

U.S. authorities will also provide assistance in reforming the Romanian justice system and fighting high-level corruption.

Drug trafficking has become a problem in recent years, with dealers selling drugs in Romanian high schools and universities. Under communism, hard drugs such as heroin or cocaine were largely unheard of in Romania , as the country was closed off to the outside world.