Is Heroin legal in Ecuador?

Legal status

Heroin — personal-use possession non-punishable, but the former CONSEP threshold ([repealed] about 0.1 g) was repealed November 2023; NO defined quantity now, trafficking intent assessed case-by-case

Consequences if caught

Personal-use possession is non-punishable in Ecuador (Constitution Art 364 treats consumption as a public-health matter and bars criminalizing consumers; the COIP confirms personal-use possession is not punishable, and CNJ Resolution 14-2023 confirmed this remains fully in force). CRITICAL: the former CONSEP quantity table was [repealed] by Executive Decree No. 28 on 24 November 2023 — the old bright-line thresholds NO LONGER EXIST, there is now NO defined personal-use quantity, and trafficking intent is assessed case-by-case (a legal grey area). Trafficking is tiered (COIP Art 220): minimum 3–5 years, medium 5–7, high 19–22, large 22–26. For Heroin, the [repealed] former CONSEP threshold was about 0.1 g (Resolution 001-CONSEP-CO-2013) — repealed November 2023 and NO LONGER current law.

If prescribed or medical

Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.

Documentation

Personal-use possession is NON-PUNISHABLE: Constitution Art 364 treats consumption as a public-health matter and bars criminalizing consumers, and the COIP confirms personal-use possession is not punishable (CNJ Resolution 14-2023 confirmed this remains fully in force). CRITICAL: the former CONSEP quantity table (Resolution 001-CONSEP-CO-2013 — about 10 g cannabis, 1 g cocaine, 0.1 g heroin, 0.015 g MDMA) was [repealed] by Executive Decree No. 28 on 24 November 2023; those gram thresholds NO LONGER EXIST. There is now NO defined personal-use quantity — trafficking intent is assessed case-by-case (a legal grey area). Trafficking is tiered (COIP Art 220): minimum 3–5 years, medium 5–7, high 19–22, large 22–26. Medical cannabis is legal (2019 Assembly vote; products under 1% THC via pharmacy). [contested] A REDCAN citizen cannabis-regulation initiative was pending in the National Assembly in 2025. Ecuador has NO death penalty for drugs. 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 Ecuador’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.