Is Cocaine legal in Saudi Arabia?

Legal status

Controlled narcotic under Royal Decree M/39 (2005), Schedule 1 (narcotic drugs), Category A — Saudi adopts the 1961 Single Convention Schedule I by reference for cocaine. Smuggling/trafficking is death-eligible under Article 37, and documented capital cases exist for cocaine trafficking in Saudi Arabia; the exact cocaine capital quantity threshold is left to confirmation.

Consequences if caught

Unauthorised possession/use prosecuted under M/39 (imprisonment, fines, deportation for non-nationals). Cocaine smuggling and trafficking-with-intent-to-promote are actively prosecuted as death-eligible offences under Art. 37 (reducible to not less than 15 years plus flogging and fine).

If prescribed or medical

No practical prescription channel in Saudi Arabia; cocaine has only nominal medical use and is not dispensed as a traveller-importable medicine.

Documentation

Royal Decree M/39 (2005), Schedule 1 narcotic drugs (Category A = 1961 Single Convention Schedule I), per SFDA General Provisions for the Schedules; Art. 37 penalties; documented cocaine capital cases.

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.