DRUGS WARNING TO BRITONS ABROAD

Young people are being warned against using or smuggling drugs on holiday,
as part of a Foreign Office (F0) campaign. The government wants to smash
popular misconceptions that drug use is tolerated in European holiday
destinations like Spain and Greece, and that the FO can get Britons out of
jail.

There are currently more than 1,500 Britons in foreign jails for drug offences.

The charity Prisoners Abroad says sentences of 40 to 50 years are not
uncommon in South East Asia.

But the FO is stressing that people taking drugs in popular Mediterranean
destinations are just as likely to encounter harsh treatment.

It has enlisted the help of tour company Club 18 to 30 to help get its
message across.

Sarah Dring, of the FO's consular division, said: "Other European countries
are often stricter than Britain on soft drug use.

"Just because something is tolerated in Lambeth don't assume you can get
away with it in Aiya Napa.

"Cyprus, for example, has a zero tolerance policy. In Spain, people are
jailed for up to 12 years for having a small amount of drugs."

Prisoners Abroad is currently in contact with 1,500 Britons in foreign jails.

"We see lives destroyed for a small amount of drug use on holiday," said
spokesman Ian Acheson.

'No Magic Wand'

"Smoking cannabis may be no big deal in this country but in India you get
10 years.

"We don't want to patronise young people but they should be aware that if
they try to smuggle drugs the chances of getting caught are very high."

Mr Acheson, a former UK prison governor, added conditions in foreign jails
can be "life-threatening".

The FO is keen to dispel the myth that it can get people out of trouble.
"There is no magic wand," said Mr Acheson.

Ms Dring confirmed: "We can't get them out of jail. We can make sure they
get legal representation but we don't pay for it."

[SIDEBAR]

Foreign Drug Laws

Cyprus - A zero tolerance policy and possession can lead to a hefty fine or
even life imprisonment

Spain - Up to 12 years for carrying

Greece - Life imprisonment for carrying even small quantities

Jamaica - Mandatory prison sentences, conditions are harsh

Turkey - Death sentence for some offences

Tunisia - Jail for carrying even small amount