Is Methaqualone (Quaaludes) legal in New Zealand?
- Legal status
- Methaqualone is a Class C controlled drug — methaqualone and its analogues are named in Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, the transposition of its 1971 Convention Schedule II status; a withdrawn hypnotic with no marketed medical use.
- Consequences if caught
- Possession or use can carry up to 3 months' imprisonment or a fine (Class C); supplying or dealing carries up to 8 years.
- If prescribed or medical
- No recognised medical use / withdrawn — methaqualone is not an available prescription medicine.
- Documentation
- No medical or traveller route; there is no lawful prescription supply.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with New Zealand’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 →