POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 07, February 06, 1995
CAUTION AGAINST DRUG SMUGGLING MODUS OPERANDI UTILIZING SEAMAN
National Administrative Register February 6, 1995
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