Is Barbiturates legal in Saudi Arabia?

Legal status

Controlled under Royal Decree M/39 (2005), Schedule 2 (psychotropic substances) — phenobarbital sits in Category D (1971 Convention Schedule IV), while secobarbital is a Category B (1971 Schedule II) substance expressly named among prohibited substances. Capital exposure attaches to smuggling or trafficking-with-intent-to-promote under Article 37; no barbiturate-specific capital case is documented, so drug-specific capital application is left to confirmation.

Consequences if caught

Unauthorised possession/use prosecuted under M/39 (imprisonment, fines, deportation for non-nationals). Smuggling or possession-with-intent-to-promote is death-eligible under Art. 37, reducible to not less than 15 years plus flogging and fine.

If prescribed or medical

Phenobarbital is a prescribable controlled anticonvulsant; import requires the SFDA Traveler's Permit — mandatory advance electronic clearance from 1 Nov 2025 — with an attested prescription/medical report and ID (secobarbital is prohibited by name and is not importable).

Documentation

Royal Decree M/39 (2005), Schedule 2 psychotropic substances (phenobarbital Category D = 1971 Schedule IV; secobarbital Category B prohibited by name), per SFDA General Provisions for the Schedules; Art. 37 penalties.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Saudi Arabia’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.