Is Codeine legal in Iraq?
- Legal status
- Codeine is a controlled narcotic under Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law No. 50 of 2017; low-dose codeine is below the trafficking tier absent intent. Iraq imposes death or life for importing/exporting/producing narcotics with intent to trade (Art. 27) and issued 140 drug death sentences in Jan-Aug 2024, but capital exposure attaches to aggravated trafficking, not therapeutic codeine.
- Consequences if caught
- Aggravated narcotic trafficking is death-eligible; unauthorised possession of codeine draws imprisonment, while prescribed use is lawful.
- If prescribed or medical
- Dispensed as a controlled prescription medicine.
- Documentation
- Ministry of Health prior approval is required for controlled-medicine import - documentation is essential.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Iraq’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →