Is Hydrocodone legal in Mexico?
- Legal status
- Hydrocodone is an estupefaciente under Article 234 / 226 fracción I of the Ley General de Salud (special barcoded narcotics prescription via COFEPRIS); it is not marketed in Mexico but sits in the same fracción I strong-opioid tier as morfina and oxicodona — left to confirmation.
- Consequences if caught
- Above the narcomenudeo personal thresholds it is trafficking (up to 10+ years).
- If prescribed or medical
- No marketed Mexican hydrocodone product; a fracción I narcotic is dispensed only on the special barcoded prescription.
- Documentation
- Carry a valid prescription or medical letter and declare it; import of controlled narcotics requires COFEPRIS-linked authorisation.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Mexico’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →