Drugs

You may be tempted to get drawn into the local drug scene while you are travelling, but if you get caught, the 'I didn't inhale' defence won't be much use.   If you are going to indulge, just make sure you know what you are doing and the local laws.   Don't think that local dealers won't shop you to the police, it happens.

Popular backpacker destinations such as Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand all have the death penalty. With many countries imposing the death sentence for drug trafficking, you'd be insane to carry a 'package' for someone across the border.  In Singapore the death penalty is mandatory for smuggling 15 grams of heroin or 30 grams of cocaine.   Jail sentences aren't much better with significant periods of time in often poor conditions.

So the simple message is never take someone else's bags or packages through customs and make sure you keep an eye on your own bags to ensure they are not tampered with.   Aussie Schapelle Corby recently got 20 years in Indonesia for having a silly name, insisting drugs were planted in her boogie board bag.

If you are taking prescription medicine with you, make sure you have your prescription with you in case customs question you.

Disclaimer:
While we make every effort to ensure our content is accurate and up to date, Scarytan accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information. Scarytan will not be held liable for any loss or damage as a result of use of this information.