Date – 3rd February 2010
Title – British smuggler is told of his death sentence in final visit by his cousin – The Times
Date – 29th December 2010
It comes as no surprise that a high percentage of Britons locked up in foreign prisons are there for crimes relating to illegal drugs and I would suggest the number ‘passing through’ these facilities each year is even higher.
It is not just getting involved in drug dealing which lands people ‘inside’ many are imprisoned for drug use and drug possession and even for being associated with people using drugs.
It amazes us how misunderstood the situation relating to drug use is by some travellers. I have sat in hostels across the world and overheard conversations about how ‘authorities turn a blind-eye’ or how ‘drugs are effectively decriminalised’; this is simply not the case.
The ‘hippie’ destinations of the late 70’s are now destinations of mass tourism, with mass tourism comes money and with money comes the need to protect the investments which have been made. Tourism is the life blood of many countries and they realise that they have to protect their reputations and their local communities from the ravages of the drugs trade.
There are plenty of countries where the death penalty stands for drug dealing and where the judicial system is not what we might believe to be entirely free and fair. There are also many places where the police and the authorities have realised there is an additional ‘income’ to be made from enforcing drug laws to the letter and beyond.
Our message is simple, don’t fall for the ‘marketing strategies’ of the drug dealers who will tell you it is ‘safe’ and de-criminalised, they do not have your welfare at heart and when the police come knocking at your door, they will be long gone.
Travelling is a privilege and provides enough natural highs not to require chemical ones.
Avoid illegal drugs when you are travelling, steer clear of ‘friends’ who get themselves involved in drugs and walk away from anyone who talks about drug use during travel as ‘part of the experience’; it isn’t.
Drugs are illegal in every country in the world, the only difference is sentences are generally much more severe and foreign prisons are often more dangerous than the streets outside them; don’t become a statistic.
At Safe Gap Year our Independent Travel Safety & Cultural Awareness Workshop considers issues of Travel Safety, alongside sessions on Cultural Awareness, Travel Health, Ethical and Responsible Travel, Travel Equipment, Travel Insurance, Destination Advice, Transport Options, Documentation, Travel Money and Insurance and more.
Please visit our website at http://www.safegapyear.com.uk/.
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