Is Methaqualone (Quaaludes) legal in South Africa?

Legal status

Methaqualone is prohibited in South Africa as an 'undesirable dependence-producing substance': it is listed in Part III of Schedule 2 to the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992. It is the country's most notorious illicit drug, universally known as Mandrax (typically a tablet combining methaqualone with an antihistamine, smoked with cannabis in a 'white pipe'). Section 4(b) makes possession/use an offence and section 5(b) makes dealing an offence; there is no lawful non-medical use.

Consequences if caught

Possession or use of methaqualone (Mandrax) is an offence under section 4(b) of Act 140 of 1992, and dealing (which the Act defines broadly to include selling, supplying, manufacturing or transmitting) is an offence under section 5(b). On conviction the section 17 penalties apply — dealing offences carry imprisonment of up to 25 years (or both a fine and such imprisonment), while possession is punishable by imprisonment. Mandrax remains a routine target of SAPS narcotics enforcement.

If prescribed or medical

Methaqualone has no recognised therapeutic use in South Africa and is not available on prescription; it is controlled purely as a prohibited undesirable dependence-producing substance rather than through the medicines-scheduling regime.

Documentation

The controlling instrument is the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992, which in section 1 defines an 'undesirable dependence-producing substance' as any substance included in Part III of Schedule 2 (where methaqualone appears); sections 4, 5, 13 and 17 create the offences of possession/use and dealing and set the penalties.

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