Is Methamphetamine legal in Latvia?
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Criminal Law (Secs 253/253.1/253.2) — small-amount personal use administrative (warning or fine up to ~€280; repeat within 12 months criminal); larger personal amount up to 3 years (5 if substantial harm); trafficking 2–8 years, to 5–15 years large/organized; no death penalty (EU)
- Consequences if caught
- Methamphetamine is controlled in Latvia under the Criminal Law (Sections 253/253.1/253.2). In Latvia (EU; no death penalty), small-amount possession, use or acquisition for personal use is ADMINISTRATIVE — a warning or fine up to about €280; a repeat within 12 months is CRIMINAL (15 days–3 months, community service or a fine). A larger personal-use amount is criminal, up to 3 years (or 5 years if it caused substantial harm). Trafficking of any quantity (Criminal Law Sec 253) draws 2–8 years; 3–10 years if committed by a group; 5–15 years if a large quantity or organized; up to 15 years for organized-group production or trafficking. Cultivation is criminal (Sec 253.1).
- If prescribed or medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Latvia (EU; no death penalty), small-amount possession, use or acquisition for personal use is ADMINISTRATIVE — a warning or fine up to about €280; a repeat within 12 months is CRIMINAL (15 days–3 months, community service or a fine). A larger personal-use amount is criminal, up to 3 years (or 5 years if it caused substantial harm). Trafficking of any quantity (Criminal Law Sec 253) draws 2–8 years; 3–10 years if committed by a group; 5–15 years if a large quantity or organized; up to 15 years for organized-group production or trafficking. Cultivation is criminal (Sec 253.1). Latvia has no medical cannabis program (foreign medical-marijuana cards are not honored), though industrial hemp is allowed. [proposed] A January 2026 Saeima bill would remove criminal liability for drug USE by minors (purchase and possession would still be criminal) — NOT yet enacted. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
- Criminal Law Sections 253 / 253.1 / 253.2 + Law on the Procedures for Coming into Force and Application of the Criminal Law (defines small/large amounts)
- likumi.lv
- euda.europa.eu
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Latvia’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 →
