NCJ Number
162385
Journal
Marine Policy Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: (1996) Pages: 3-14
Date Published
1996
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article examines, from a legal perspective, a recent Council of Europe multilateral agreement on the interdiction of vessels engaged in drug trafficking activities in international waters.
Abstract
The parties to the 1995 Council of Europe Agreement undertake to cooperate "to the fullest extent possible" to interdict narcotics trafficking at sea "in conformity with the international law of the sea." Actions toward this end, which should seek to "maximize the effectiveness of law enforcement," is envisaged with respect to private and commercial vessels located beyond the territorial sea of any state. This article notes the close connection between this agreement and the 1988 United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and the nature and extent of the efforts made in the former to supplement and strengthen the latter. Particular attention is paid to developments that relate to action against stateless vessels, measures taken at the request of the Flag State, and the central role accorded to the concept of preferential jurisdiction in instances where law enforcement activities are initiated by one party with the prior consent of the Flag State. Other issues of interest in a law-of- the-sea context are also addressed, ranging from the regulation of the use of force to the payment of compensation. 136 notes