Is Heroin legal in Cambodia?

Also known as: diacetylmorphine, smack

Legal status

Group I narcotic under the Law on the Control of Drugs, illegal; possession up to 10-20 years even without trafficking intent; trafficking up to LIFE; NO death penalty

Consequences if caught

Cambodia ABOLISHED the death penalty in 1989 (constitutional), there is NO death penalty for any drug offence; the maximum is LIFE imprisonment. Possession of a hard drug (methamphetamine/heroin/ecstasy) can carry up to 10-20 years even without trafficking intent; trafficking (Art 40) carries 2-20 years up to life. ENFORCEMENT: a 2017 anti-drug campaign sharply increased arrests and post-2019 tourist-area enforcement tightened, foreigners are routinely jailed, and the old 'smokers' paradise' reputation is OUTDATED.

If prescribed or medical

Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.

Documentation

Cambodia ABOLISHED the death penalty in 1989 (constitutional); the maximum penalty for any drug offence is LIFE imprisonment. There is no medical, recreational, or industrial cannabis provision. Enforcement tightened sharply after a 2017 anti-drug campaign and post-2019 in tourist areas, foreigners are routinely jailed and the old 'smokers' paradise' reputation is OUTDATED. 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 Cambodia’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.