From Asia to Africa, Europe to South America, Americans are finding out the hard way that drug possession or trafficking equals jail in foreign countries.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs is sending out a warning to all students and other Americans that increased efforts are being made by many countries to stop the flow of illegal narcotics.

Many American citizens have been arrested abroad for violating local laws regarding the use of alcohol in public and the behavior associated with it.

In the past, American college students have been arrested for being intoxicated in public areas and for drunk driving, as well as various other violations.

In 1994, 25,000 Americans were arrested in 95 foreign countries. Of these, 880 ended up in jails abroad.

Every year approximately 2,000 American citizens are arrested abroad. Of them, more than 1,000 are held on charges of using or possessing drugs.

The BCA stated in an information packet that they are attempting to make it known that there is a real danger in carrying even a small amount of drugs. Americans have been arrested for possessing as little as one-third of an ounce of marijuana.

According to the packet sent out by the bureau, being an American citizen does not make one immune to prosecution. Unlike the United States, few countries practice the Ôinnocent until proven guilty' policy, the packet said.

The packet also stated that bureau representatives want students to know that Americans can face severe penalties, even the death penalty, for disobeying these rules in some foreign countries.

If an American is caught buying, selling or using any type if drug; be it marijuana cocaine, heroin or other drugs, he will face either two years to life in prison. In some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Turkey, the death penalty is applicable.

The bureau advises students to become familiar with basic laws and customs of the country they plan to visit before they travel abroad.

The State Department encourages students to check the Internet for the latest travel safety information at http://travel.state.gov. HR>