The Philippine Consulate General in New York has warned about a modus operandi of drug dealers in Ecuador in which a seaman is used as a courier to deliver cocaine once the vessel reaches the US port. To date, about 5 Filipino seamen had been arrested on alleged drug smuggling charges which likewise create a negative reflection on the national image.

According to the advice, illegal drug smuggling is a federal offense which has a 10-year minimum sentence in the USA.

You are therefore enjoined to reiterate this warning to departing seafarers during the pre-departure orientation seminar (PDOS) to avoid any dealing with drug traffickers or at best, be cautious with their actions which may unsuspectingly put them in an uncompromising situation.

Adopted: 6 Feb. 1995

(SGD.) FELICISIMO O. JOSON, JR.
Administrator