Philippine Embassy in Tehran Lauds DOJ Advisory on Drug Mules

The Philippine Embassy in Tehran welcomed the issuance by the Department of Justice (DOJ) of an advisory on illegal drug couriers. Charge d' Affaires Mariano A. Dumia said the DOJ advisory and guidelines for overseas Filipino workers and other Filipino travelers are very useful and timely, as Filipinos continue to be victims of illegal drugs syndicates. There are currently eight Filipinos involved in illegal drug cases in Iran.

The advisory is also in line with the earlier call of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for a comprehensive, coordinated campaign against illegal drug syndicates.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said that the advisory opinion, which was issued on April 29, "seeks to explain to the public the issues surrounding the recruitment, arrest, detention and conviction in foreign countries of Filipinos who are caught transporting illegal drugs."

The advisory gave the following ten (10) points for Filipino travelers to always consider:

• Carry luggage at your own risk.

• Knowledge is immaterial and intent is not a requirement in drug trafficking.

• Be vigilant of the modus operandi of drug courier syndicates.

• In the unfortunate event of arrest or detention for drug trafficking, have presence of mind and do not resist arrest.

• Assert your legal rights, inquire on the legal remedies and request for consular assistance.

• Presumption of innocence will always apply.

• The laws of country of arrest apply.

• If sentenced, the government can only be of limited assistance.

• "Blood money" cannot be paid to erase the liability of a person convicted of a crime involving illegal drugs.

• Take full responsibility of your actions.

Secretary de Lima said that it is not a valid legal defense that the carrier of a package did not know it contains illegal drugs or that he had no intention to commit a crime. Therefore, she advised Filipinos to be always on-guard when dealing with strangers and when dealing with requests to carry packages.

Secretary de Lima also stated that the Philippine Government can only offer limited assistance to arrested persons. She said that the Government cannot interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.

"The best the government can do for you is to assist in protecting your rights and arranging your legal defense. Outside of this, the government cannot insist that you be given a different treatment than that which the laws of other countries provide," said Secretary de Lima.

The DFA has called for personal vigilance and responsibility for Filipino travelers. They should not agree to carry packages or luggage for strangers, even supposed friends or employers, or consent to carry packages in exchange for money. Our people can take fuller responsibility for their actions by always being on guard against such inducement. The Embassy reminds all Filipinos in Iran to heed the advisory seriously. END