What federal statute primarily prohibits the illegal transportation of controlled substances by a vessel?

The Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act serves as the principal federal statute targeting the illegal transportation of controlled substances by vessels. This legislation empowers law enforcement to take action against drug trafficking that occurs on the high seas or within U.S. waters, effectively equipping them with the authority to interdict ships suspected of carrying illegal drugs.

This act encompasses provisions that empower enforcement agencies, such as the Coast Guard, to board vessels, search for narcotics, and prosecute offenders. By establishing stringent penalties and providing jurisdictional clarity, the act plays a critical role in combating maritime drug trafficking.

Other listed options do not specifically address the illegal transportation of controlled substances at sea. For instance, the Maritime Safety Act mainly focuses on safety regulations for vessels and does not encompass drug enforcement provisions. The Federal Aviation Administration Act deals strictly with aviation-related matters rather than maritime law, and the Coast Guard Authorization Act authorizes the Coast Guard’s overall operations but is more general and not exclusively focused on drug enforcement. Thus, the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act stands out as the dedicated legislative framework against maritime drug smuggling.