Opinion ID: 695266
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: the maritime drug law enforcement act

Text: 2 Under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, 46 App.U.S.C.A. Secs. 1901, et seq., [i]t is unlawful for any person ... on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States ... to knowingly or intentionally ... possess with intent to manufacture or distribute, a controlled substance. 46 App.U.S.C.A. Sec. 1903(a). The Act also criminalizes conspiracy to violate subsection (a). 46 App.U.S.C.A. Sec. 1903(j). Vessels subject to the jurisdiction of the United States include vessels registered in a foreign nation where the flag nation has consented or waived objection to the enforcement of the United States law by the United States. 46 App.U.S.C.A. Sec. 1903(c)(1)(C). Such consent may be obtained by radio, telephone, or similar oral or electronic means, and may be proved by certification of the Secretary of State or the Secretary's designee. 46 App.U.S.C.A. Sec. 1903(c)(1). In this case, the Panamanian government's consent to search the Harbour, a Panamanian vessel, was evidenced by certificate pursuant to Sec. 1903(c)(1)(C). Appellants argue that this certification procedure is unconstitutional.