Our Correspondents in Barbados, Cariconsult International Limited warned us of drug smuggling in the Caribbean as attached. Recently, an increasing number of smugglings are found that a container filled with drug is attached to a vessel's bowthruster. As anti- drug legislation in the Caribbean is based on strict liability, should drug be detected from the vessel, although details differ from one regional jurisdiction to another, there will be a possibility that the vessel could be detained or impounded, and substantial fines may be imposed, and also the Master may be imprisoned. In a recent incident, the Master signed a written statement without prior legal advice or representation with his hasteful desire to be released as soon as possible. However, it should be noted that the Master's statement is a criterion for the authorities to decide whether or not he should be prosecuted. Therefore, please contact our Correspondents at the very first if the Master is required to answer questions or sign any form of statement while keeping co- operative attitude toward the authorities.