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Indonesia is probably the country with the strictest anti-drug laws in the world.

In Indonesia, you don't have to be caught with any drugs to face a jail sentence of several years (which is almost a death sentence, as any person imprisoned for a considerable length of time will likely contract malaria, or HIV as a consequence of prison rape, or face other severe health problems). In Indonesia, all the authorities need to file charges against you, is proof that you have been using drugs. Such proof is easy to come by. The Indonesian police (possibly because of grants from the American DEA or comparable Australian law enforcement agencies) is well equipped with on the spot laboratories for urine tests through which it is easily determined whether you have been taking drugs in the past few days. They also can perform hair analyses to determine whether you have been taking drugs the past few months or years. The Indonesian police uses this equipment to randomly test locals and foreigners. In Indonesia, one does not have to be an individual suspect of drug use for being forced by the Indonesian police to undergo drug tests. The police regularly raid entertainment venues and block all doors, and the only way out is via the mobile drug lab of the police. Locals are so afraid of these raids that most discos throughout Indonesia have closed in 2005 for a lack of visitors. When police raided the Iguana disco in Medan in summer 2005, many local youths jumped through the disco's glass walls, even though the Iguana was located on an upper floor in a department store. There were several deaths and dozens of injured. There was no public criticism of the police at all. In Indonesia, the police is never criticized for being too harsh, only for being too lenient with criminals. Such criticism of too much leniency obviously plays into the hands of the policy, as they can adopt ever more brutal measures, under the pretext of the public allegedly demanding this. In no year for decades has the Indonesian prison population swelled as drastically as in 2005, and the strict implementation of anti-drug laws was a major reason for this. It is obvious that US pressure has been a driving force in the adoption of stricter drug laws throughout Asia, just as it has been in South America. They have tried a US-mandated strict implementation of laws against drug use in South America. This has lead to a total overcrowding of prisons, resulting in appalling conditions. In Brazil, they have taken the logical step: decriminalizing drug use. Drug use has also been decriminalized for a number of years in most countries of Europe which the US cannot blackmail as blatantly as countries in Asia. Drug use anyway doesn't fit the standard definition of a crime. Crime per se is something that victimizes other people.

Drug users only victimize themselves. But so do people who are overweight and continue eating too many calories per day. We can offer both groups of people good advice, but to go beyond that is not appropriate for a human society that cherishes personal freedom. There are other reasons as well why Indonesia should liberalize its drug laws. Because, to have such strict anti-drug laws, and to implement them so harshly, is hurting Indonesia's attractiveness, both for foreign tourists and residents, and in the eyes of rich Indonesians. Fact is, people don't want to visit police states, and they do not want to live in police states. Fact is also that a large number of people, non-Indonesians and Indonesians, like to use drugs. For them, the Indonesian message is clear. It's not a message of stopping to take drugs. It's a message of going somewhere else. In most countries of the developed world, with the exception of the US and Australia, you can openly smoke a joint in front of a police precinct, and nothing will happen. In many European countries, rave parties are publicly announced, and it is understood that everybody who is participating is using ecstasy. Globalization brings it with it, that in the future, those countries are most likely to prosper which a large number of people with money will find most attractive. And on charts that compare the quality of life ratings of many countries, Indonesia could do with gaining some points. For example by not messing with people who have personal drug use habits

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What's the worst that could happen?

Many countries outside the UK refuse to grant bail before trial and often detain people in solitary confinement Being caught by UK customs with a small amount of class C drugs, for personal use only, may just get you a financial penalty rather than a court case, however you will get a customs record, and if caught again you will get a criminal prosecution. If someone you are travelling with is caught with drugs, you are likely to be searched and questioned too. If you are caught with drugs on you as well, no matter how small the amount, you will both get the same legal penalties. You will still get a criminal record in the UK if caught with drugs abroad, which may effect future employment. This may also mean that you are refused a visa for the some countries including the USA. If you've been caught with drugs abroad, you're unlikely to ever be allowed to visit the country again. If you get injured or ill as a result of drugs, your holiday insurance may be invalidated and your tour operator can refuse to fly you home.

Countries with a hardline stance on drugs Death penalty

Algeria, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.


Heavy prison sentences

Cyprus: zero tolerance policy towards drugs and possession will usually lead to a hefty fine or even life imprisonment Greece: possession of even small quantities of drugs can lead to lengthy and even life imprisonment South East Asia: sentences of 40 to 50 years are not uncommon
Harsh sentences

India: 10 years for smoking cannabis Italy: Up to 20 years imprisonment Jamaica: Drug offences result in mandatory prison sentences and large fines. Possession of even small quantities can lead to imprisonment Morocco: Maximum of 10 years imprisonment plus a fine. Spain: Sentences for carrying can be up to 12 years Tunisia: Possession of even a small amount of drugs could cost you a term in prison, while more serious charges may even result in 20 years imprisonment plus a fine Turkey: Up to 20 years imprisonment Venezuela: Drug carriers face minimum 10-year prison sentences in harsh conditions
If you are arrested

If you are arrested and are carrying a British Passport, you have the right to contact the British Consul immediately. When there's been an arrest or detention of a Brit, the local police are obliged to contact the nearest British Consulate or High Commission. You have the right to confidentiality, however you may wish to inform mates and relatives before the media start knocking on their door. If you do get arrested for drug-related offences, the British Consul can help, but they can't stop you from being prosecuted. Bear in mind that the British Consul CANNOT get you out of jail, get you better conditions than is provided for local or other nationals or give legal advice.
Protecting yourself from drug planting

Pack your luggage yourself, making sure it is fastened securely and keep your luggage with you at all times before check-in. Carry a doctor's prescription for any medication you may need to avoid unnecessary delays at customs and immigration checks.

Be aware of approaches from people at airports, however innocent they seem. Also be cautious when accepting gifts from people abroad because it's easy to hide drugs in items such as trainers, cosmetics and children's toys. Fairly obvious really - Don't allow yourself to be persuaded or coerced into carrying drugs either across borders or through customs. The money will mean little if you end up with a sentence for life imprisonment. For similar reasons don't cross borders with people you don't know or drive across borders with unknown companions, if they are found in possession, or the vehicle contains drugs, you could be charged as an accomplice.

Information provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. ///////////////////////////////////////////// If drugs are found on your person, you could be charged with one of two offences:
Charge 1: Possession

Being caught with an illegal drug for your own use, whether it is (or has been) in your pocket, your bag, your house or car. You can also be charged with this offence if the police find the drug somewhere else (such as in a locker) and can prove that you controlled its whereabouts. If you're under 17, the police can also tell your parent/s or carer, and inform the Social Services and the Probation Service. Depending on the circumstances of your case, and local prosecution policy, the police then have these options for punishment:

A formal warning (which is put on local police files. If you offend again this may influence the police to charge you, rather than caution you). A formal caution (a central police record held for 5 years. If you offend again, his can be used against you). Charge you with an offence leading to a Youth Court hearing. (This is more likely for repeat offenders, who may end up with a fine or a custodial sentence). You can be cautioned more than once, but if you keep getting caught, youll go to court.

Charge 2: Possession with intent to supply drugs

Things get much heavier if youre caught supplying drugs to others, or even if the police suspect the drugs werent just for you. If you had any intention of dealing, (which can include giving and sharing drugs) you may be charged with this more serious offence. Decisions over whether you're charged with intent to supply are based on the circumstances in which you were caught and the quantity of drugs you were caught with. The police can take the same courses of action as in simple possession cases, but this time you're more likely to be charged. If your case goes to court the penalties are likely to be heavier. Be aware that the charge of intent to supply is wide-ranging. It's not just heavy-duty smuggling cases that count. You can be done for carrying a couple of tabs for a mate, or a lump of dope split into smaller quantities, even passing a spliff to someone.
Drug penalties by class: Class A

Ecstasy, LSD (acid), magic mushrooms, heroin, methadone, crack, cocaine, crystal meth, opium, and any class B drug prepared for injection. Maximum penalties for supply: life imprisonment and/or a fine.
Class B

Amphetamines (speed), barbiturates, and codeine. Maximum penalties for supply: 14 years prison and/or a fine.
Class C

Cannabis, ketamine, some tranquillisers like Temazepam, the supply of anabolic steroids. Max penalties for supply: 5 years prison and/or a fine.
What to do if you're caught:

Give your name and address when asked, but if you're in any doubt about further questions then get a solicitor. You won't lose any rights, and nor will it cost anything. The police will provide you with a list of independent solicitors. You can pick one and call them. They may advise you over the phone, or visit you in person. Alternatively, call Release on 0845 4500 215. In the police station you have the right to:

Be treated with respect; Be treated humanely; Know why you've been arrested; Speak to the custody officer; Have someone notified of your arrest; Consult with a solicitor privately.

Drug testing on arrest

If you're arrested and taken to a police station, you may be tested to find out if you've taken any Class A drugs. A person cannot be forced to provide a sample for testing, but it is an offence to refuse to provide a sample without good cause. If you test positive for Class A drugs, you'll be required to attend a compulsory drug assessment by specialist drugs workers. The assessment will determine the extent of your drug problem and help you into treatment and other support, even if you're not charged with an offence. Those who fail to provide a sample or comply with a required assessment face a fine of up to 2,500 and/or up to three months in prison. //////////////////////////////////////////////

Indonesia shot two Nigerian men for drug offences late on Thursday night, and drug officials hope more executions will soon be carried out. Samuel Iwachekawu Okoye and Hansen Anthony Nwaoysa were executed before midnight on Thursday (26 June) on Nusakambangan prison island, off the coast of central Java. According to a Reuters report, the head of the Central Java mobile brigade police, Dicky Atotoy, said the two Nigerians were tied to two wooden poles with their heads covered, and shot by two teams of police snipers. "The doctor declared the two convicts dead at 00.00 following the firing squads' duty to execute them," Atatoy said. Reuters said Indonesian prosecutors were also now preparing to execute the three men sentenced to death for their role in the October 2002 Bali bombings, which killed 202 people. AAP reported that 40 year-old Nwaoysa was sentenced to death for

attempting to smuggle 600 grams of heroin in 43 capsules, which he swallowed before flying from Pakistan to Jakarta in January 2001. (AAP story also here.) The report said Okoye was caught at Jakarta airport with 3.8 kilograms of heroin hidden in the lining of his luggage after flying in from India. He said he was to pass it on to an Australian by the name of "Ron". The two were sentenced to death in 2001 and their final appeals for clemency were rejected in July 2004. More drug executions to come? The head of Indonesia's leading anti-drugs body said in a speech during the day on Thursday that drug offenders should be executed more quickly. "To give them a lesson, drug traffickers must be executed immediately," said General Sutanto, who is the National Police Chief and Chairman of the National Anti-Narcotic Body (BNN). "For this purpose, BNN is coordinating closely with the Attorney General`s Office as the agency responsible for carrying out executions," he told a function at the State Palace for the International Day against Drugs Abuse and Trafficking. He said prison didn't deter drug traffickers, and claimed international drug syndicates were being run from jails. Attorney General Hendarman Supandji reportedly said at the same function his office would speed up the execution of the 57 drug offenders on death row. Move towards greater secrecy Before the latest executions, comments by one government minister reported by the Antara newsagency suggested Indonesia was planning to carry out the executions in secret to prevent any public protests. "The date of the execution is not to be made public to prevent public controversy," said Monang Pardede, assistant deputy to the General Crimes chief of the Central Java higher prosecutor's office, on Tuesday. He reportedly said the executions would not be publicised until after they were carried out, in order to prevent what Antara described as "undue public reactions". "We are afraid we will face difficulties if they are announced

beforehand," he said. These comments are a worrying sign that Indonesia may be moving towards the secrecy that stifles open and informed debate across much of Asia about the use of the death penalty. No to drugs, no to drug executions Amnesty International condemned the use of the death penalty for drug-related offences. "Experts in international law, including the top UN officials, have confirmed that applying the death penalty for drug-related offences is a breach of international law," a spokesperson for the organisation said. The last executions for drug offences in Indonesia were carried out in October 2004, when two Thai nationals were shot for attempting to smuggle 12.19 kilograms of heroin into Indonesia. Their co-accused, a 65 year-old Indian man, was executed in August of the same year. Related stories: Drug penalty violates international law -- 06 May 2007 Executions in Indonesia since 1995 -- 26 September 2006 POSTE D BY TIM G OODW IN , ADP AT 9:07 AM L ABE L S: DRU G S , E XE C U TION S , IN DON E SIA , N IG E RIAN S ON DE ATH ROW , SE C RE C Y

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