A warning to travellers

fortyoz says on Mar 8, 2007, 15:06:

small amount? Since when is 60 grams a small amount of weed? Colombia has a personal dose law, you shouldn't be charged with possession of 20g or less of marijuana or 1g of cocaine. If you think your gonna be in some big shit, the easiest way out though is to pull the highest ranking offer aside and offer some money.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Mar 8, 2007, 15:07:

Plead guilty without chatting with a lawyer? Just my opinion...and brought to you by a kinder and gentler

Miguel_Clavo =).....Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"So Many PBH Potatoheads.......So Little Time"......El Titiritero (The Puppeteer).....www.slapdoll.com

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kiemce says on Mar 8, 2007, 15:33:

More details: just to clarify fortyoz: The 60g was just smaller than the size of my fist, but was "raw" meaning it contained plenty of unusable seeds and twigs which were included in the weighing. Like I say, it could probably produce about five joints which I do not consider a lot. The idea of "trafficking" is itself laughable, considering the bus ticket alone cost more than the street value of such a small amount. Initially we were told that obviously it was less than 100g so we would just be a few hours at the station. Later on they changed their story and it was too late for any "deals".

miguel_clavo: She was appointed a (free/crap) lawyer who she only spoke with for about 10mins the day before the so-called trial. He essentially told her she was screwed, and that proving she was of good character was the only chance, yet hinged on the judge. Because the weed was found in her pants pocket, she couldn't really argue it wasn't hers.

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Mar 8, 2007, 15:37:

So, four years in the Big House no chance of a reduced sentence or an appeal?

I wanted access to health care, housing and education, but, no, I get potholes, trash and silicone tits instead. -Desi.

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scotty says on Mar 8, 2007, 15:52:

4 years huh? that seems a little strong, in fact that sounds real strong. can she appeal? or as Mario suggests maybe a payoff is in order? what did they do to you, anything?

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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manINred says on Mar 8, 2007, 15:55:

60 g = 60 joints. Drugs in Colombia may be a bad thing, but in small quantities, all the police will want is a bribe. 60 g is NOT a small quantity, man, 20 g maybe. I've known hundreds of people do drugs without ever having any trouble. Not to say i condone such behaviour yadda yadda...

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kiemce says on Mar 8, 2007, 16:51:

Even more details mario: good point about the measurements - I never realised that. It actually brings up another point, which is that the police station didn't have proper scales. They drove us around to a couple of hospitals and pharmacies but never actually got a really accurate reading as far as I know. Initially I argued about the weight but we were still under the impression that anything under 100g was not a problem so we didn't push the point. The more I think about it, it was a bad idea to accept their weight estimate (20/20 hindsight).

scotty: yes, 4 years seems harsh to me but for the charges against her the penalty is actually 4-6 years no matter what.

maninred: as I say, this was strictly crappy homegrown stuff (given to us) with a lot of stems/twigs and seeds which probably made up a good percentage of the total weight (assuming the weight is what they said it was). Nevertheless, I wouldn't argue it was less than 20g so it's a mute point in the eyes of the law anyway.

everyone: I was initially arrested for not having my original passport on me, but this was immediately dropped. Following the advice of a friend, I had only travelled with a copy of my passport, which to that point had been good enough for the many police checkpoints. I would never travel with drugs on me so nothing happened to me personally. I also had no idea my friend had anything on her, let alone on her person which is the only place they ever really search thoroughly.

As it is still a work in progress I don't want to say anything to jeopardise the "proceedings", but needless to say we are doing things the Colombian way by letting money talk to affect a result.

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webmanco says on Mar 8, 2007, 16:59:

The Colombian way As you put it, works as well in other developed countries. That is a fact.

Money talks everywhere.

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

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jaramillo says on Mar 8, 2007, 17:34:

Be careful before you try to bribe someone. Some cops/army/judges will get INTENSELY offended. Guess who pays...

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poco says on Mar 8, 2007, 18:05:

Never happened to me. I mean, drugs are everywhere and are offered to us constantly whether we like it or not.

Over four years and not one offer. Who do you associate with ?

Colombian Chickens are crowing about the new President of the U.S. who will assure that From each according to their ability to each according to their need.

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jay1234 says on Mar 8, 2007, 18:13:

Me neither... In the past two years, I have travelled 8 times to Honduras, 4 times to Guatemala, twice to Colombia, and once to Panama. Not once did I see any drugs given, offered, or sold. Of course, it is there, I just don't think it is out in the open like many other places I have visited. I saw a lot of drugs when I lived in Montreal for six weeks in summer of 2000. It seemed pretty out in the open there.

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kiemce says on Mar 8, 2007, 19:05:

Where are the drugs? poco & jay1234:

Well, not trying to be funny but I would ask three things:
1. How old are you?
2. Where do you stay?
3. Do you go out much?

Pick up a Lonely Planet guide to Colombia. I travel pretty cheap so look up the cheapest places - naturally they are often in the dodgy areas. I think you are more likely to be targetted if you are 20-30 years old and are often seen going out for a night on the town with friends. As far as I'm concerned you're lucky not to be offered anything, but in my experience there is plenty of it going on.

Hotel Miramar in Santa Marta had a guy who would come almost every night into the Hotel and ask almost everyone. Walking down to Calle 17 (the best bar street) maybe someone else will ask you. Go into the dive shop on Calle 10C to ask about dives and end up talking about something else.

Stay in any of the cheaper hostels along Calle de la Media Luna in Cartagena. This street is by far the most hassle I have received in Colombia. Most of the guys are crackheads, and even after a week of telling the same guy to leave you alone he will still ask you when he sees you next.

In Medellin it is a little less obvious, but around Parque Lleras the guys selling packets of cigarettes and chewing gum have made offers to me.

In San Agustin a lot of the hotel owners are expats and will let you know they can get you something if you wish. In Tierradentro there are not many foreigners and it is a one street town - a guy came up and asked us.

Not once in any of these examples did I walk the streets asking people. These are purely cases of others approaching me.

Anyway, the point of this post is to alert everyone to the real risks in Colombia if they were under the impression the laws on drugs were soft here. I've seen plenty of tourists do plenty of drugs under the impression that they were somehow untouchable. Plenty of travellers I've met came to Colombia with the intention of trying cocaine etc - it's sad, but if you're going to do it just be a bit smart about it - not like the Swedish guy in Cartagena yelling "who's got my drugs?!" down the street. Although to be honest, he was plenty crazy...

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Gomezman5 says on Mar 8, 2007, 19:23:

Kiemce...Here is my problem You said:

"I mean, drugs are everywhere and are offered to us constantly whether we like it or not."

Are you serious? I don't know what places you frequent, but drugs are NEVER offered to me....not even when I visit my friend's Whiskeria near Juanalejo's house.

Hence, I have to agree with Jay

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jay1234 says on Mar 8, 2007, 19:47:

kiemce That is the point. The part where you said the drugs are EVERYWHERE and offered to us CONSTANTLY. I am 36, in Colombia I visited Medellin, Baranquilla, and Cartagena. I do go out, but usually with a group. Not the super high end places, but middle of the road places. The point is not that drugs aren't there, it is that they are not everywhere, and no one offered me any...But it is good that you warn people of the risks.

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poco says on Mar 8, 2007, 19:59:

That's the problem but in my experience there is plenty of it going on.

Yes, of course and it will be almost given away. I'd guess you'd be enticed by your FRIENDS and NOT your enemies. Suggest a change in friends no matter what your age or predilections.

Someone needs to get a clue. I can't believe how easy it is to "JUST SAY NO" : SCREWED,, kind of like the person with a 4 years sentence.

I've noticed many people think they are 'smarter than the average bear' when it comes to drugs. Time indicates there are quite of few really smart people who have ruined their lives.

Yes, where I live there are no people sleeping on the street or in doorways, very little theft and almost zero "true poverty". Damn it's nice, Christmas parades, kids and their parents walking around the town square with their Halloween costumes, fairs, festivels, streets blocked for city wide parties and those who have decided to become human refuse are somewhere else.

Colombian Chickens are crowing about the new President of the U.S. who will assure that From each according to their ability to each according to their need.

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Gomezman5 says on Mar 8, 2007, 20:11:

Oh Good Grief I don't think anyone is saying it is non existant. But there is a huge difference between saying that drugs are "nonexistant" and that drugs are "everywhere" and offered to people "constantly". That is just a bunch of bull. They are NOT offered to people constantly.

You know I am well known around this site for speaking freely about Colombia. I often get accused of being overly negative when I address the security situation. At the same time, painting Colombia as a country with drugs on every street corner is just not fair, and at the same time, not true. It just reinforces the notion among most of the world, that when you mention the word Colombia, you cannot help but think of drugs. That is rather unfortunate.

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kalder says on Mar 9, 2007, 00:31:

Whatever the rights and the wrongs of the matter are, kiemce's girlfriend is being punished excessively. And he needs to get her out.

All I can offer to the debate is to say heed jaramillo's warning about being careful who you attempt to bribe. I suggest you get a good lawyer to act as a go-between in such a negotiation.

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kalder says on Mar 9, 2007, 00:34:

And while I'm here. I've nothing against people smoking weed. But smoking anything can be carcinogenic. If a couple of thousand smokers blew clouds of the stuff at me, I'd open fire ;)

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poco says on Mar 9, 2007, 01:35:

Looks like you are in luck. We'll get a couple THOUSAND people puffing on their dosis personal and blowing it in the cops faces.


A new generation of pot smokers is being created to puff up your ranks.

Colombian Chickens are crowing about the new President of the U.S. who will assure that From each according to their ability to each according to their need.

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Lowell says on Mar 9, 2007, 05:20:

Weed- Wish people would chill out In all my years working in public safety I never had a problem with people who were high on weed. Now dealing with drunks, other drugs yes.

One time I responded to a person wigging out on PCP, When I got there he was doing a swimming breaststoke on the floor. Knowing his peacful behavior could turn violent in an instant I took great care in his removal. The guy was huge, so I used 2 ambulance stretchers to make a sanwhich out of him and secured them with cargo straps. I still remember his arms flapping helplessly as the paramedics took him away. happy ending this time.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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vicshere says on Mar 9, 2007, 09:43:

ok I have been here for 5 years and have yet to be offered anykind of drugs. I go to some pretty bad area of the city to....i have to check out all the good bargains whereevre they are. SO this bullshit drugs are everywhere is total crap....i have although gone by the park in our neighbourhood and have smelt pot....but never offered to me....but on the other hand i dont think it would be too hard to get if i wantted ..but i have no interest at all in that shit....and by the OP have you thought that this girl in fact was a dealer....from what you have said sound very much like she is a drug dealer


listo
"con mucho gusto"
Vic

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Mr. Hollywood says on Mar 9, 2007, 10:25:

My 2 cents Wow, someone severely miscalculated thinking they could claim 60 grams (more than 2oz) could be passed off as a personal use amount. And the fact that it was seeds and stems isn't really going to be a big winner with the cops.

I also think you guys missed your chance to bribe the cops right then and there. I bet they were driving around "looking for a scale" wondering why the hell you hadn't yet slipped them $100,000 pesos yet.

I hope your girlfriend gets out of this problem soon. My sense is it's going to take a much higher priced lawyer now to grease all the appropriate wheels.

Good luck.

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juanalejo says on Mar 9, 2007, 11:28:

4 years Only 4 years, after all the misery, death and harm that drug addicts have inflicted in this country, for me 4 years does not serve justice.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Mar 9, 2007, 11:47:

Sounds like he should Someone needs to relax.

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 9, 2007, 11:53:

I've only been offered weed once by a beady-eyed gringo boy in Cali and I'm only eighteen, with long blond hair with braids and beads...

Cheers,
Pre-Desi

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe
they are free." —Johann Wolfgang van Goethe

A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

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juanalejo says on Mar 9, 2007, 11:59:

Rubito Sorry but no, I may agree in most of your points of view, but in this one I think I will pass.

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Peter (Moderator) (Dev team) says on Mar 9, 2007, 12:02:

Sorry to hear that story. As we recommend here: don't carry drugs on you - it's asking for trouble. Even the personal dose won't mean you won't spend the night in prison. And why carry drugs if you can just buy some more in your next destination?

Motto: throw that bag away before you get on the bus! (And especially before you get on a plane, but that should go without saying.)

Poor but snappy

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juancegomez says on Mar 9, 2007, 12:06:

I've never been offered drugs either Though, like others, I know very well that I could find them just around the corner, figuratively speaking, if I had the inclination to do so.

But that has never been the case, and none of my acquaintances have made me any such offers. Not in my entire life.

So yes, it's not like it's hard to find drugs here. It isn't, but it's not an automatic occurrence that will always happen to everybody living in or visiting the country.

I have nothing against other people's drug use, but I'm simply not interested in it all. And thankfully, nobody has ever thought I would be interested in such things.

To each his/her own...

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Mikey1 says on Mar 9, 2007, 13:32:

Keimice My heart goes out to you and your chica I hope a stroke of luck changes the unfortunate situation you are in .I went through a similair situation but not as bad ,don't listen to some of the daft holier than thou posts

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Cindster says on Mar 9, 2007, 15:57:

why would you be doing that in the FIRST place . i mean ok there few who havent tried weed but why would you leave in a car with it ?! thats kind of ignorant just my opinion my brother also got arrested in colombia for possesion of coca and weed he spent 3 years.

La Colombianita ; Cindy

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Man Tequila says on Mar 9, 2007, 16:11:

I've had several people offer to sell me drugs in Colombia -- in Cartagena, Bogotá and Calí. It hasn't happened often; Colombia isn't the Netherlands. I don't do drugs, but do think marijuana is relatively harmless. People who do drugs make it their business to learn where to buy them. It isn't hard to buy drugs in Colombia or most other countries. Tourists foolish enough to do drugs, especialy publicly, in foreign countries are asking for trouble. Four years in prison seems crazy harsh to me.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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jay1234 says on Mar 9, 2007, 16:28:

Anyone know What type of sentences are given for violent crime? Assault, or a weapons charge?

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thur says on Mar 10, 2007, 00:49:

Tough! Jeez. You're in Colombia and decide not only to buy and do drugs, but also to take it with you on a bus trip (where there are military checkpoints around every half hour)? Hm, "stupid" doesn't even begin to describe it... You didn't know the laws were strict? Don't you _ever_ watch the news?
And NO, you _should_ take your original passport with you while travelling around the country. Everyone will say so. The copy is advisable for when you're in a town sightseeing to avoid getting the original robbed.
Greetings,

~ UPDATE ~
www.pbase.com/thur

- pbase.com/thur

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Gomezman5 says on Mar 10, 2007, 01:13:

Well Mario....I had my drink...But.......... The author said:
"I mean, drugs are everywhere and are offered to us constantly whether we like it or not." The above post clearly indicates he was NOT speak for himself or rendering HIS opinion. I see the words "us" and "we". He is presenting a point a view that indicates he thinks it is "common knowledge."

I don't know who this person is, but the likes of myself, who has been there in the area of 80-100 times, Desi, who lived there, Vic, Juancegomez and....a few others do not share his view on the massive availability of drugs. I'll criticize Colombia when I think it is necessary, but I am not going to sit here and read the same old negative sterotype that makes people think that Colombia is one big drug fest. It is not.

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panthdave says on Mar 10, 2007, 03:37:

Sentence is too excessive Something is wrong. My opinion somebody pissed somebody off...or there is a previous record of this person who was charged. Yes they should of offered a couple hundred thousand pesos but at the sametime this person seems inexperienced or stupid why have a bag full of seeds and stems. I would of thrown that in the trash can. 2 ounces is considred a felony in Florida but they would of said hey bad girl..and give her a fine and maybe alittle probation or community service even in Miami Courts you get caught with couple grams of cocaine you get bad boy or bad girl and get probation and big fine unless your a repeat offender which a couple grams of cocaine is third degree felony same charge for couple ounces of weed. Thats why I say somebody pissed somebody off or the person was a repeat offender with a record. Many judges take in effect Weed is not as crazy as Class A Drugs like Coca and Heroina. Medellin I have been offered by the mobile cart sellers coke and pot because I do go out at night and party alittle with my drinks. Don't use party or recreational drugs anymore just have no interest my drinks are enough but famaliar with the party drug scene been in Miami for 26 years. Its the same as Miami and Medellin being
offered Coke or pot. The Medellin police do have common sense and are very nice if your caught with alot better start offering up some Pesos and don't be an asshole and say I know my rights and all that bullshit. Actuallity don't have alot on you there is no reason.. Hey you won't to snort alittle or smoke alittle I have no problem with it but have a little common sense don't travel with it..You don't need alot of drugs for consumption not healthy anyways. For a party night good you need only alittle. To me my Brava and Tequila is perfect and my girlfriend and eat some papas fritas and with a greasy hamburger from Marios to end the night.

Be Careful anywhere though in Colombia have alittle for consumption in the local cities and don't travel in between cities with the shit.

Note: I seem plenty people smoke weed in the clubs in Medellin...Bouncers just say hey put it out we might have a problem with the police and if you don't put it out you will get kicked out.

I have also noticed the police in Colombia have more sense the United States Police which have no common sense at all and are more rude...Well comparing Medellin police.

Be back in Medellin for St.Joesphs Day.. weekend..

MONDAY HOLIDAY IN COLOMBIA NEXT WEEK THE 20TH....THAT MEANS A LONG WEEKEND NO WORK.

panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

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aztec says on Mar 10, 2007, 04:22:

Wife and I... ...have been going back and forth to Colombia for 17 years. I have never been offered any nonprescription drugs in Colombia. To my knowledge I am not aware of anyone around us who was on illegal drugs at any time while in Colombia.

One might say we just run in different circles. And, that statement is NOT an indictment on anyone's lifestyle.

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Lostgringo says on Mar 10, 2007, 05:10:

Sentencing in Colombia Two years ago my son I went to San Andres for a holiday from Canada. I remember him and some other tourists lined up against a wall smoking pot. I thought it was strange that the small police station was right behind them. I mean within 10 yards! Apparently, the rule there was if you want to smoke weed... smoke at the wall and don't be walking around smoking it. It seemed reasonable to me and that is just what happened. A "Reggae Mon" would show up every now and then with some weed for sale and the police did not arrest him. Mind you, this guy was not open about this, but I am sure they knew what was going on.

In my opinion, it is very unfortunate that this has happened to this young woman. It does not matter to me whether she was right or wrong about her actions. We all let our guard down sometime and we all make mistakes. Giving someone a 4 year sentence for 60 grams of weed is draconian. Why not just cut off one of her hands? It's just wrong!

welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

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slguy says on Mar 10, 2007, 08:11:

It's been years since I had anything to do with drugs, but I'm trying to figure out why she left two oz's in her pocket, having seen the police checkpoint? I'd have found SOME place to put it that would give at least a little deniability. Hard to claim it isn't yours, when it's found in your pocket...

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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caslug says on Mar 11, 2007, 05:19:

2 oz of the stuff is ALOT! ONE OZ is half a zip loc sandwhich bag IRC. AND the stuff SMELLS from a mile away! NOWAY the police wouldnt smell it! She AND YOU should have just ATE the stuff before the checkpoint! EATING the stuff would NOT have killed you! haha.. or at least ate most of it to get it down to a managable level! Could you(OP) just ask nicely to the cops, "i'm sorry office, we didnt know, do we have to pay a FINE or something? Can you write us a ticket and we can pay the FINE to you?"..

AND as someone said early, if the cop is driving around looking for a place to weight it, could you(OP) said, "hey, if it's ok with you is there any option for us to PAY A FINE NOW and let us be on our way.. PLEASE".. AGAIN.. 2 oz is ALOT!

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aztec says on Mar 11, 2007, 06:45:

"Because if not, they have a legitimate excuse to lock you up." Better believe it. Had a friend spend the night in jail in Cali because he did not have his US passport with him. Neither did he have a copy.

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panthdave says on Mar 11, 2007, 07:04:

Sorry 2 Ounces is of Crap Weed is not alot.. Shit in California an Ounce or less is misdeanor of good hybrid hydro..
Miami courts with two ounces slap on the hand please pay a fine the judge will say..Yes you will do a night in jail but you will pay fine and maybe alittle probation.. There is no way a Miami Court would issue 4 years in jail for that..Remember this bag had seeds and sticks..which is crap weed NON Female buds..Two Ounces in no way is trafficking..Once you get to the half pound or higher yeah unless you have the weed packaged up in little bags which then looks like your selling. Again something is wrong. Somebody was a smart ass or there was more involved in this...Colombian Courts and Police are not as strict unless there is something really wrong..

Yes in the States if you don't have proper IDYou can go to jail if they suspect something...until they can clear you..with fingerprints or something..



panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

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panthdave says on Mar 11, 2007, 07:09:

Note: Medellin Police except my Florida ID I was pulled over on a motorcycle in Parque Llares and the police excepted my Florida Drivers License and said don't worry about your passport we are famaliar with Florida Drivers License..My girlfriend and I then went to the Sergeant and bitched are way out of a ticket and it worked without paying any Pesos...They didn't want to listen to us anymore...

panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

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