Law Summary
Legal Implications and Penalties for Drug Smuggling in the USA
- Drug smuggling is a federal offense under United States law.
- Conviction carries a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.
- The seriousness of this offense reflects negatively on the national image of the Philippines.
Advisory and Preventive Measures for Filipino Seafarers
- The Philippine Consulate General in New York issued a warning regarding this modus operandi.
- The warning is directed to Filipino seafarers, emphasizing caution in their dealings.
- Pre-departure orientation seminars (PDOS) are required to reiterate this warning to departing seamen.
- Seafarers are advised to avoid involvement with drug traffickers or situations that may compromise their legal standing.
Responsibility of Philippine Authorities
- The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is tasked with issuing circulars to enforce awareness.
- POEA Administrator Felicisimo O. Joson, Jr. officially adopted and promulgated this advisory on February 6, 1995.
- The advisory aims to protect Filipino seamen from unwittingly participating in illegal activities and to safeguard the country's international reputation.