Originally Posted by PresRDC
As this case indicates, drugs, even so-called "soft" drugs, are dealt with harshly in many countries.
This is a very good reminder for us all that when we travel to another country, we are their guest and are subject to all their laws. Being foreign and/or ignorant of the law is not likely to be seen as a valid excuse. While, if you are arrested, you are entitled under international law to be allowed to contact your country's embassy and to regular visits from consular officers, your home government is unlikely to expend much political capital to get you free.
The best bet when traveling, especially within Africa, Asia and the Middle East, is to stay on the straight and narrow and avoid getting yourself into situations where illegality is ongoing.
I agree with everything you have said. But sadly our Government, in many cases, has denied detainees any contact with consular officers for long periods of time. In one case that I know of, he person was wrongfully detained because the immigration officers claimed his passport was forged. It was later verifed to be legitimate by the conulate. Such errant and shameful behaviour might come back to haunt us in the future.