Is Cocaine legal in Malta?

Legal status

Controlled under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 101) — small-quantity personal possession depenalised (fine before the Commissioner of Justice) under the Drug Dependence (Treatment not Imprisonment) Act 2015; trafficking 6 months–10 years (Court of Magistrates), up to life imprisonment (4–30 years + fine at the court's discretion, Criminal Court); the maximum penalty is life imprisonment

Consequences if caught

Cocaine is controlled in Malta under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 101). In Malta, drugs fall under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 101), with personal-use reform under the Drug Dependence (Treatment not Imprisonment) Act 2015. For drugs other than cannabis, small-quantity personal possession is depenalised — handled by a fine before the Commissioner of Justice — under the 2015 Act, rather than imprisonment. Trafficking is punished by 6 months to 10 years in the Court of Magistrates, or up to life imprisonment (4–30 years plus a fine at the court's discretion) in the Criminal Court.

If prescribed or medical

Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.

Documentation

In Malta, drugs fall under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 101), with personal-use reform under the Drug Dependence (Treatment not Imprisonment) Act 2015. For drugs other than cannabis, small-quantity personal possession is depenalised — handled by a fine before the Commissioner of Justice — under the 2015 Act, rather than imprisonment. Trafficking is punished by 6 months to 10 years in the Court of Magistrates, or up to life imprisonment (4–30 years plus a fine at the court's discretion) in the Criminal Court. For cannabis specifically, since December 2021 — the first EU state to do so — adults may carry up to 7 g, grow up to 4 plants per household, and obtain cannabis through non-profit Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations (under the ARUC Act, Cap. 628); possession of 7–28 g is a €50–100 fine with no criminal record. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

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