Travel Warnings for Americans on Drugs Overseas

According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, once a U.S. citizen gets arrested, the consular office cannot get the individual out already.

In 1994, 2,500 American were arrested in 95 different foreign countries, where 880 of them ended up in prison-thinking that they can't be in jail for drug possession.

Most countries all over the world actually has a "zero" tolerance on illegal drugs. And, the United States of America can't just put its diplomatic relation (to any countries) at risk, just to get someone out of jail because of drugs.

Rarely that there would be a politician or a public figure who would have the nerve to intervene because, none of them would ever like to get linked to the menace. The stigma awaits not only the violators but, even their families and closes friends as well.

If you are caught for a drug charge abroad, you must know what the U.S. government can and what they can't do for you.

United States Consular Officer CAN:

• Visit you in jail after being notified of your arrest;

• Give you a list of local attorneys (but they cannot assume responsibility for professional integrity of the lawyers);

• Notify your family and/or friends. They can relay request for money or other aid-but only with due authorization;

• Intercede with local authorities to make sure that your rights under the local law are fully observed and that you are treated humanely, based from internationally acceptable standards;

• Protest mistreatment or abuse to the appropriate authorities:

United States Consular Officer CANNOT:

• Demand for your immediate release or get you out of jail or the country;

• Represent you at trial or give legal counsel;

• Pay legal fees /fines or penalties with U.S. government funds.

So, if you are caught buying or selling, carrying or using of any types of prohibited drugs, from hashish, heroin, marijuana, mescaline, cocaine to Quaaludes, you can expect:

• Interrogation and delays before trial. Including mistreatment and solitary confinement for up to one year under very primitive conditions;

• Lengthy trials conducted in a foreign language, with all the delays and postponements;

• 2 year to life imprisonment, which in some countries may include but is not limited to hard labor and heavy fines, once you are found guilty;

• Death penalty in countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkey and Thailand.

Drug laws may vary in each country you'd travel or visit, but, keep in mind that none of them will take drugs lightly.

Once you leave the United States, you are no longer covered by U.S. laws and constitutional rights.

The burden of proof in most countries is always on the side of the defense, which means it is your responsibility to prove your innocence. All evidences obtained by authorities (either legally or illegally) can be used against you in court.

Availability of bail normally depends on how much drugs were seized from you. If the weight of it and the cost exceeded the maximum set by the local laws, chances are they won't allow you to post bail. Your case will then be heard while you are in prison.

Very few countries offer jury trial. Some would not even require the defendant's presence during his/her trial. So, be careful!

Don't travel abroad just to experience nightmare!

If someone offers you money, or a free trip just to carry a suitcases or whatever, always say no!

For inquiries about consular assistance, you may contact the Overseas Citizens Services; they are available Monday through Friday, 8:15 to 10:00 P.M. (EST) at (202) 647-5255. And for emergency after hours and holidays; you may call the Overseas Citizens Services duty officer at (202) 647-4000.