Is Heroin legal in Guyana?

Legal status

Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap 10:10 (Act No. 2 of 1988, as amended through 2021) — possession (s.4) fine ≥ G$30,000 or 3× market value + imprisonment 3–5 years; trafficking (s.5) heavier (exact statutory maximum not pinned in the cited source — verify); the statute is non-capital (maximum penalty is imprisonment)

Consequences if caught

Heroin is controlled in Guyana under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap 10:10 (Act No. 2 of 1988, as amended through 2021). In Guyana, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap 10:10 (Act No. 2 of 1988, as amended through 2021). Possession (s.4) carries a fine of not less than G$30,000 or three times the market value of the narcotic, together with imprisonment of 3–5 years. Trafficking (s.5) is punished more heavily; the exact statutory maximum for trafficking is not pinned in the cited source and is not assumed here — verify the s.5 penalty. A 2021 reform — the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2021, in force 2022 — removed custodial sentences for small cannabis quantities: possession of up to 15 g of cannabis now draws mandatory counselling, and up to 30 g draws community service of up to 6 months, rather than imprisonment. Larger amounts and all trafficking remain criminal.

If prescribed or medical

Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.

Documentation

In Guyana, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap 10:10 (Act No. 2 of 1988, as amended through 2021). Possession (s.4) carries a fine of not less than G$30,000 or three times the market value of the narcotic, together with imprisonment of 3–5 years. Trafficking (s.5) is punished more heavily; the exact statutory maximum for trafficking is not pinned in the cited source and is not assumed here — verify the s.5 penalty. A 2021 reform — the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2021, in force 2022 — removed custodial sentences for small cannabis quantities: possession of up to 15 g of cannabis now draws mandatory counselling, and up to 30 g draws community service of up to 6 months, rather than imprisonment. Larger amounts and all trafficking remain criminal. Cannabis remains controlled, but the 2021 amendment removed custodial penalties for small quantities (up to 15 g → counselling; up to 30 g → community service ≤6 months); trafficking and larger amounts remain criminal. 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 Guyana’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.