Is Heroin legal in Saudi Arabia?

Also known as: diacetylmorphine, smack

Legal status

Prohibited narcotic (diacetylmorphine) under Royal Decree M/39 (2005), Schedule 1 (narcotic drugs), Category D, a prohibited category (import/export/use/possession banned except SFDA-approved research), corresponding to the 1961 Single Convention. the exact heroin capital quantity threshold is left to confirmation.

Consequences if caught

Capital exposure: not established for this substance. Saudi Arabia retains the death penalty for drug offences, under Royal Decree M/39 of 2005, article 37, for smuggling or trafficking with intent to promote, and that much is established here. What is not established is this substance's own position under it: the source read here gives neither the article that would carry it nor any quantity at which it would apply. No threshold is stated in this cell because none was established. Do not read the absence of a figure as a safe amount. The country level position is the one to act on, and the substance specific position has to be settled against the current instrument.

If prescribed or medical

No prescription channel; heroin is a prohibited-category narcotic with no medical use in Saudi Arabia and is not a traveller-importable medicine.

Documentation

Royal Decree M/39 (2005), Schedule 1 narcotic drugs (Category D prohibited; 1961 Single Convention), per SFDA General Provisions for the Schedules; Art. 37 penalties; documented heroin capital cases.

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