Is Methadone legal in Mexico?
- Legal status
- Methadone is a narcotic under the General Health Law (Ley General de Salud); it is legally registered and dispensed for OST via licensed centres/CIJ, though supply is constrained.
- Consequences if caught
- Sale, supply or possession above the personal narcomenudeo thresholds is trafficking (up to 10+ years).
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed for methadone-based OST through authorised clinics (take-home limited; access patchy).
- Documentation
- Carry a COFEPRIS/INCB permit plus prescription and declare narcotics at the border.
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 →