Erm... an US law applies in international waters? It's not like Ecuador will go to war with the US if the US decides to arbitrarily enforce their rules on the open waters, but Venezuela might... (I'd try Venezuela if I were a drug smuggler)
Edit: the US law intends to apply to vessels "without nationality", but I'm pretty sure the crew has a nationality which might want to object.
Most other nations would at least release a statement against such practices by the US (I know mine would, heck I'd draft it myself)
Strange isn't it. And the crew can read that statement for 15 years while they "pay their debt to society".
I don't think this law has been used yet, at least it didn't make any news that I've seen. I expect there to be challenges and appeals the first time someone gets defended in court. Hopefully it will gut the law.
In case the back story is missing, the law was passed in reaction to semi-submersible smuggling boats that would travel in deep water and if confronted by US forces, the crew would just scuttle the boat and then wait for the coast guard or navy to rescue them. No evidence, no crime, plus now the task force has to return the crew they just rescued.
Edit: the US law intends to apply to vessels "without nationality", but I'm pretty sure the crew has a nationality which might want to object.
Most other nations would at least release a statement against such practices by the US (I know mine would, heck I'd draft it myself)