Opinion ID: 543006
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Application of the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act to Davis' Conduct

Text: 22 We must next determine whether the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act by its terms applies to Davis' conduct. We hold that it does. Section 1903(a) and (j) proscribe possession and conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Section 1903(c)(1)(D) defines vessels subject to the jurisdiction of the United States as vessels located within the customs waters of the United States. In the case of a foreign vessel, 19 U.S.C. Sec. 1401(j) (1982) defines customs waters as follows: 23 The term customs waters means, in the case of a foreign vessel subject to a treaty or some other arrangement between a foreign government and the United States enabling or permitting the authorities of the United States to board, examine, search, seize, or otherwise to enforce upon such vessel upon the high seas the laws of the United States, the waters within such distance of the coast of the United States as the said authorities are or may be so enabled or permitted by such treaty or arrangement. 24 . . . . . 25 Prior to boarding the Myth, the Coast Guard obtained permission to board from the United Kingdom in a telex which allowed the United States Coast Guard to board, search and seize the Myth in accordance with the terms of the 1981 Agreement. 26 Whether the consent given by the United Kingdom constitutes an arrangement pursuant to section 1401(j) presents a question of law subject to de novo review. See United States v. Bent-Santana, 774 F.2d 1545, 1548 (11th Cir.1985). We have held that informal arrangements can satisfy section 1491(j). See, e.g., Peterson, 812 F.2d at 493 (Panamanian consent by telex constituted an arrangement satisfying section 1491(j)). As long as the foreign government has made clear its indication of consent, the arrangement necessary to create customs waters around a specific vessel may be informal. See United States v. Gonzalez, 776 F.2d 931, 933 (11th Cir.1985); United States v. Alomia-Riascos, 825 F.2d 769, 771 (4th Cir.1987). An arrangement is simply a settlement or adjustment and contemplates no particular form. Gonzalez, 776 F.2d at 936. Thus, even verbal, ad hoc consent by a vessel's flag country is sufficient to bring the vessel within the definition of customs waters. See, Bent-Santana, 774 F.2d at 1550; Alomia-Riascos, 825 F.2d at 771. 27 The telex sent by the United Kingdom stated: 28 1. HMG has verified registry of subj vessel and has authorized USG to board, search and seize, if evidence warrents [sic], under U.S. Law. HMG has indicated that the conditions and terms contained in 13 Nov 81 US/UK Agreemnt [sic] will be used in this case. 29 2. In view of the above, comdt has no objection to taking action against subj vessel under the terms of the US/UK Agreement. 30 3. Insure Amenbassy [sic] London is info addee on all related msc traffic. 31 Biermann, 678 F.Supp. at 1442 n. 2. We hold that the request for permission to board and the United Kingdom's reply telex constitutes an arrangement pursuant to section 1401(j). Therefore, Davis' vessel was located within the customs waters of the United States, and hence within its jurisdiction. 32 Davis argues that the Coast Guard failed to conduct its search pursuant to the terms and conditions of the 1981 Agreement, thereby vitiating the consent given by the United Kingdom. 3 In order to board a vessel of British registry, the 1981 Agreement requires that authorities of the United States reasonably believe that the vessel has on board a cargo of drugs for importation into the United States. 33 Reasonable suspicion must be based upon specific articulable facts, together with rational inferences from those facts. United States v. Reeh, 780 F.2d 1541, 1544 (11th Cir.1986). Reasonable suspicion turns on the totality of particular circumstances. Id. We hold that the Coast Guard had reasonable suspicion to believe that the Myth was importing drugs. The listing of the Myth as a boat suspected of smuggling, the Myth's unusual location, its attempt to change course, and its lowered position in the water, indicating that it was carrying cargo, could reasonably lead a Coast Guard officer to believe the Myth was smuggling contraband. We thus find that the Coast Guard satisfied the conditions of the United Kingdom's consent. 34