Is Crack Cocaine legal in South Africa?

Legal status

Crack cocaine has no separate legal identity in South African law: it is simply the smokable free-base form of cocaine, and cocaine (with its salts and base) is listed as a 'dangerous dependence-producing substance' in Part II of Schedule 2 to the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992. It is therefore caught by the same prohibition as cocaine hydrochloride, with possession/use an offence under section 4(b) and dealing under section 5(b).

Consequences if caught

Because crack is treated as cocaine, possession or use is prosecuted under section 4(b) and dealing under section 5(b) of Act 140 of 1992; the section 17 penalties are identical to those for cocaine — up to 25 years' imprisonment for dealing (or both a fine and imprisonment), and imprisonment for possession.

If prescribed or medical

Crack cocaine has no medical or prescription status; the only lawful cocaine use in South Africa is the regulated medical/scientific handling of cocaine as a topical anaesthetic, which does not extend to the free-base smoking form.

Documentation

The Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992 controls cocaine (and thus its base form) via Part II of Schedule 2 read with the section 1 definition of 'dangerous dependence-producing substance'; no distinct schedule entry exists for 'crack'.

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