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Drug smuggling constitutes a very serious crime almost anywhere in the world. Affected parties can expect 1. EXTEND investigations, interrogation, detention and possibly criminal prosecution, conviction and 2. PRISON. Moreover, assets may be seized as security for hefty fines and penalties and ultimately confiscated and/or sold.
Measures to prevent drug smuggling
The general aim in all instances is to prevent the illegal substances from coming on board the vessel in the first place. The following are some general guidelines for 3. PRECAUTION measures to be taken.
Crew going ashore should be informed of the risk that possible drug traffickers may seek to 4. FRIEND them in order to achieve their co-operation to smuggle drugs. The crew must understand that, apart from violating company policy, this could be 5. POTENTIAL dangerous for themselves, their families, fellow crewmembers etc. Moreover, local authorities are likely to act forcefully against any crew- member who is considered to be associated with drug traffickers.
Warning posters describing the risks involved in the 6. CARRY of drugs should be clearly displayed at the point of the entry/exit to the vessel and within the accommodation areas.
Whilst in port or at anchor
The master and crew must take all possible precautions to limit access to the vessel and monitor the surrounding area adjacent to the vessel whilst in port. Individuals who have no legitimate 7. REQUIRE for being onboard must not be allowed onboard. The crew should keep a log at the point of entry/exit, and the Master or Chief Officer should be informed if the watch is 8. CERTAIN as to whether an individual has legitimate reasons to be onboard.
A permanent watchman should be present in areas where stevedores or repair technicians are working onboard the ship. During hours of darkness all areas should be well lit in order to facilitate 9. VISION monitoring of activities. Any suspicious activities conducted by third parties on board should be reported to the Master. Attention should be paid to small boats approaching the ship and any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the ship which may warrant further investigation. The use of a searchlight during the hours of 10. DARK should be considered.
