46 U.S.C. § 70503 – Prohibited acts (maritime drug law enforcement)
This statute makes it illegal to traffic drugs on vessels, including ships and boats on international waters.
Section 70503 is part of the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act. It prohibits carrying, possessing, or trafficking controlled substances on any vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction. This includes ships in international waters, U.S. waters, or foreign vessels that fall under U.S. authority through agreements with other countries.
(a) Main prohibited acts.
A person breaks this law if they do any of the following while on a covered vessel:
- possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute,
- manufacture or attempt to manufacture a controlled substance,
- distribute or attempt to distribute a controlled substance, or
- help or plan any of these acts.
It is also illegal to knowingly be on a vessel used in drug trafficking, even if you are not the one carrying the drugs.
(b) Where this law applies.
This statute applies to:
- vessels of the United States,
- vessels in U.S. waters,
- vessels without nationality, and
- foreign vessels when certain international agreements allow U.S. enforcement.
This gives the U.S. broad authority to stop and search vessels suspected of drug trafficking anywhere in the world.
(c) No defense based on location or flag.
A person can’t avoid the law by saying the ship was outside U.S. waters or flying a foreign flag. If the U.S. has authority to board the vessel, this statute applies.
If you’re being investigated or charged under this law, reach out to us or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with a federal criminal defense attorney.
