Is Methaqualone (Quaaludes) legal in United Kingdom?
- Legal status
- Methaqualone is a Class B controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 — a named national transposition of its 1971 UN Convention Schedule II status; it is a withdrawn sedative-hypnotic with no marketed medical use in the UK.
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised possession can carry up to 5 years plus a fine; supply or production up to 14 years and an unlimited fine (Class B).
- If prescribed or medical
- No recognised medical use / withdrawn — methaqualone is not a licensed medicine in the UK and cannot be prescribed or dispensed.
- Documentation
- No legitimate medical or traveller route exists; there is no prescription pathway, and any importation without a Home Office licence is treated as trafficking.
Court records
We have applied to The National Archives for the licence required to analyse Find Case Law records, and will publish outcomes once it is determined.
Source checked Find Case Law, The National Archives · 2026-08-26
Methaqualone (Quaaludes) in related jurisdictions
Other substances confirmed in United Kingdom
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with United Kingdom’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
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Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
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