Foreign drug laws

Cyprus - A zero tolerance policy and possession can lead to a hefty fine or even life imprisonment Spain - Up to 12 years for carrying Greece - Life imprisonment for carrying even small quantities Jamaica - Mandatory prison sentences, conditions are harsh Turkey - Death sentence for some offences Tunisia - Jail for carrying even small amount

The charity Prisoners Abroad says sentences of 40 to 50 years are not uncommon in South East Asia.

But the FO is stressing that people taking drugs in popular Mediterranean destinations are just as likely to encounter harsh treatment.

It has enlisted the help of tour company Club 18 to 30 to help get its message across.

Sarah Dring, of the FO's consular division, said: "Other European countries are often stricter than Britain on soft drug use.

"Just because something is tolerated in Lambeth don't assume you can get away with it in Aiya Napa.

"Cyprus, for example, has a zero tolerance policy. In Spain, people are jailed for up to 12 years for having a small amount of drugs."

Prisoners Abroad is currently in contact with 1,500 Britons in foreign jails.

"We see lives destroyed for a small amount of drug use on holiday," said spokesman Ian Acheson.

'No magic wand'

"Smoking cannabis may be no big deal in this country but in India you get 10 years.

"We don't want to patronise young people but they should be aware that if they try to smuggle drugs the chances of getting caught are very high."

Mr Acheson, a former UK prison governor, added conditions in foreign jails can be "life-threatening".

The FO is keen to dispel the myth that it can get people out of trouble.

"There is no magic wand," said Mr Acheson.

Ms Dring confirmed: "We can't get them out of jail. We can make sure they get legal representation but we don't pay for it."