Is Cocaine legal in Turkey?

Legal status

Controlled narcotic under the Penal Code (Arts 188/191) — illegal; possession and trafficking both prosecuted

Consequences if caught

Personal use, possession or purchase (Art 191) carries 2–5 years' imprisonment, but first offenders are placed under judicial probation (denetimli serbestlik) — supervised treatment and testing — and the case may close without a conviction on completion. This applies equally to cannabis and other plant-based drugs. Trafficking — production, import, export, sale, supply or transport (Art 188) — carries 10–20 years, rising above 30 in aggravated cases, with no statutory soft/hard distinction and no leniency for foreigners. The personal-use vs trafficking line is set by Court of Cassation case law (not a fixed gram amount): packaging, scales, cash and quantity are all weighed. Cocaine is recognised as a controlled narcotic in Turkish enforcement and case law.

If prescribed or medical

Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form; controlled medicines require original packaging plus a doctor's letter and a TİTCK check (see documentation).

Documentation

Controlled medicines (opioids — tramadol/codeine/oxycodone/morphine; ADHD stimulants such as Ritalin/Adderall; some sedatives) are high-risk: carry original packaging plus a doctor's letter, check the TİTCK classification, and bring only the minimum quantity needed. Undocumented controlled medicines create criminal exposure. Cannabis seeds are prohibited to import.

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