While unloading the ship which carried the embassy's materials, one box
marked "household effects" dropped from a forklift. More than six
hundred pounds of marijuana worth 500,000 British pounds (1982 prices)
For centuries governments have used ambassadors, and diplomats to
represent their nation. These special envoys have done everything from
resolving years of conflict, deciding on how much humanitarian relief
will be sent to a nation, or just being present at diplomatic dinners
and ceremonies. These people have been the vital link between nations,
and they have enjoyed complete immunity from the law of the host nation.
Originally this immunity was extended as a courtesy to allow for an
uneventful stay in the host country. While in a foreign country on
official business, the diplomat would be granted exemption from arrest
or detention by local authorities; their actions not subject to civil
or criminal law. For the longest time this privilege produced little or
no incidents. However, this unique position of freedom that diplomats,
their family, and staff have been graced with has not been so ideal.
Recently the occurrences of abuse for personal or national
gain has grown out of proportion. What once protected the diplomat and
his staff from parking tickets and some differing social laws, now
grants them protection under the law to commit crimes
such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, rape, and murder. Even though
serious crimes are rare and punishable to various extents in most
countries, domestic authorities were forced to look the other
way. While it would be convenient to believe that the six hundred
pounds of marijuana was sent for personal consumption at the embassy,
it is evident a small drug trafficking ring was being protected under
The international community has tried to develop a universally accepted
set of norms governing the conduct and privil...