NCJ Number
113477
Date Published
1988
Length
45 pages
Annotation
H.R. 4568 is designed to enhance Coast Guard enforcement of laws relating to drug trafficking by clarifying several legal issues that have arisen since the enactment of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 and by authorizing additional appropriations for operations and equipment.
Abstract
Specific provisions relate to the authority and protection of commanding officers on naval vessels to which Coast Guard personnel are assigned; amendments to the customs forfeiture fund, the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, and the Admiralty and Public Vessels Acts; indemnification; seizures and forfeitures of conveyances; forfeiture procedures; and claims for reimbursement. Others deal with annual reporting, Coast Guard law enforcement duties, Great Lakes drug interdiction, availability of naval radar surveilance aircraft, and appropriations. Existing laws affected by the proposed legislation are provided together with indications of changes. Dissenting views critique aspects of the seizure and forfeiture provisions, particularly as they relate to commercial vessels and due process issues.