Every year Australians are arrested overseas on drugs charges and can face strict penalties, including the death penalty. Even small quantities of 'soft drugs' can attract jail sentences or heavy fines.
Remember that when you are overseas you are subject to that country's laws and penalties - no matter how harsh they may appear harsh by Australian standards.
Minimise your chances of getting into trouble with drugs overseas:
- Obey the law - don't purchase, take or travel with drugs
- Don't leave your bags unattended in public areas or in the care of a stranger
- Don't carry anything for someone else while travelling
- Lock your luggage as a precaution against luggage tampering, and theft
- Ensure your medicines are not considered illegal drugs in the countries you are visiting by contacting the embassy of the countries you are visiting before you depart
If you or a family member are arrested on drugs charges overseas
If you or a member of you family is arrested on drug charges overseas, you should immediately contact the nearest Australian mission. Consular officers will do what they can to assist Australians arrested overseas within the legal and administrative procedures that apply in that country.
Consular officials can:
- visit the detainee as soon as permission is granted by the local authorities
- provide general information about the local legal system and a list of English-speaking lawyers
- notify family and friends of the detainees situation (subject to the detainees consent)
- assist the detainee to maintain contact with their family and, if requested, help them receive funds from their family and friends
- object to authorities if the detainee is treated less favourably than local citizens arrested for similar offences
- raise any medical or dental problems to the attention of the prison doctor/dentist
- attend the detainee's trial in court as an observer with the approval of the local authorities.
Australian consular officers cannot:
- provide legal advice
- organise an Australian's release from jail, arrange bail, pay fines, conduct investigations related to an offence
- obtain better treatment than that provided to the country's own citizens or to other nationals.
More information
For more information on the assistance that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade can provide to Australian travellers arrested or jailed overseas see Arrested or jailed overseas and the Consular services charter.
