Is Heroin legal in Peru?

Legal status

Controlled — heroin is NOT separately listed in the Art 299 personal-use threshold schedule; confirm classification; trafficking criminal (Art 296)

Consequences if caught

Heroin is controlled under the Penal Code but is NOT separately listed in the Art 299 personal-use threshold schedule (which names cannabis, cocaine, opium and MDMA/methamphetamine) — confirm its classification before relying on any personal-use exemption. CRITICAL TWO-DRUG TRAP (Art 299 para 2): possessing TWO OR MORE drug types at the same time — even if each is below its own threshold — IS a crime and loses the non-punible protection. Trafficking (Art 296) carries 8–15 years; micro-commercialization (Art 298) 3–7 years. ENFORCEMENT: about 60% of drug detentions are for use/possession, police frequently treat possessors as traffickers, and up to 15 days' preventive detention can apply.

If prescribed or medical

Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.

Documentation

Personal-use possession of a SINGLE drug type below its Art 299 threshold is not a crime, but possessing two or more drug types at once IS a crime (loses the exemption). Medical cannabis is legal (Law 30681, 2017; regulated 2019) and hemp is regulated (Law 32195, 2024); traditional coca-leaf chewing is legal. Enforcement is heavy — about 60% of drug detentions are for use/possession and police frequently treat possessors as traffickers (up to 15 days' preventive detention). 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 Peru’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.