Due to a loophole in a 1970 Federal law, simple possession of controlled substances by United States citizens and on board American vessels is not a Federal crime. This legislation, H.R. 75418, this deficiency by encompassing persons on board vessels subject to United States jurisdiction, stateless and foreign vessels included. In addition, criminal sanctions are to replace the previous civil penalties applicable to smuggling vessels apprehended within the 12-mile customs enforcement zone, and a specific offense will be directed at the mother ship operations by making the transfer of controlled substances to a United States vessel or a vessel subject to United States jurisdiction a separate crime. The bill is intended to provide an effective deterrent to maritime drug smuggling. Included in this volume are the hearings held March 28, 1979, in Washington, D.C., and those conducted July 3, 1979, in Key West, Florida. Also included are the text of H.R. 2538; reports from Departments of Commerce, Justice, and Transportation statements from various public officials; and additional materials. Maps and data tables are provided.