其他
Foreigner Deported from China for Cannabis Use in Thailand
By Ned Kelly
Quick Facts
China has a zero tolerance to drugs There are severe penalties for drug-related offenses, including the death penalty There have been increasing incidences of police raids on bars, clubs and private homes Chinese police undertake random drug testing including on entry to the country*
Busting Myths
“I only take drugs outside of China, so it’s not an issue.”
“I only take drugs at home so won't get caught.”
“I don’t take drugs but my friends do when they come over.”
What Happens If You Are Detained
Taken from location (home, office, bar, club) to police station. Can be detained for questioning for up to 24 hours while police conduct initial investigation. Either released, given administrative detention or considered for criminal charges – all with possible fines imposed. If administrative detention is imposed, the period varies; usually between three and 15 days. There can be conditions upon release. Again, these vary case to case – from release, release with fine imposed, to deportation. In the case of deportation, foreign nationals are unlikely to be given a period of time to sort their belongings/affairs out, before being deported. Either the detained person, their family/friends or employer will be expected to fund their flight back to the UK (or home country). The UK government can help by speaking to a detainee’s family, friends and/or employer in respect to funds, but they cannot provide money from public funds. Some people are then subject to a five-year travel ban from reentering China. If criminal charges are brought, it is likely the time in detention could be up to 12 months before a trial date and any verdict handed down. During administrative and criminal detention, foreign nationals are usually only permitted access to their consular and legal representatives.
What the British Consulate or Embassy Can Do If You are Detained
The police will ask foreign nationals if they would like their consulate or embassy informed of their detention, and if they would like them to contact them.
In the case of British people, consular staff will contact detainees as soon as possible after being officially notified of the detention, and visit them if they’d like them to. If a British person is detained for a longer period, consular staff will visit them on a regular basis (in most cases once a month). They will tell the detainee’s family and friends they’ve been arrested/detained, if they want them to – they can also help a detainee understand the benefits of contacting their family if they are initially unsure. They can then pass on messages to and from family/friends. Consular staff can give detainees information about the Chinese legal system, explain the prison system, mail and censorship, privileges and how to access medical services. They cannot give legal advice but can provide detainees with a list of English speaking lawyers in China. Put them in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad. Please note, the UK government are limited in what support and advice they are able to give British nationals who also hold Chinese citizenship. Additionally, anyone entering China with dual nationality (neither of which is Chinese), and requires Consular support (such as in the event of detention and arrest) may be restricted to seeking Consular support from the country related to the passport they entered China on.