Legal status in North Korea

Per-substance legal status for North Korea, from sourced statutes where available. Legal information, not legal advice; drug laws change, so confirm with the destination’s embassy or drug authority before you travel.

18 confirmed substances67 not individually verifiedLast updated July 14, 2026

Confirmed legal status

2C-B

Legal status: Controlled under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — serious drug production and trafficking are capital-eligible (the death penalty applies to the gravest offences), with lower-level offences punishable by imprisonment or corrective labour; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is death for the gravest drug offences
Consequences if caught: 2C-B is controlled in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments). In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

2C-B in North Korea, full detail →

Alcohol

Legal status: Legal — alcohol (ethanol) is a legal, state-produced beverage (soju, Taedonggang beer), not a controlled drug.
Consequences if caught: No penalty for consumption; production and distribution are state-run.
If prescribed / medical: n/a — a beverage, not a medicine.
Documentation: Available through state shops, restaurants and hotels; domestically produced and consumed.

who.int · Updated July 14, 2026

Alcohol in North Korea, full detail →

Benzodiazepines

Legal status: Controlled under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — serious drug production and trafficking are capital-eligible (the death penalty applies to the gravest offences), with lower-level offences punishable by imprisonment or corrective labour; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is death for the gravest drug offences
Consequences if caught: Benzodiazepines is controlled in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments). In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Benzodiazepines in North Korea, full detail →

Cannabis / THC

Legal status: Cannabis is a controlled drug under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — no legal recreational or medical regime, and serious drug offences are treated as grave crimes; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is imprisonment or corrective labour
Consequences if caught: Cannabis is a controlled drug in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments), with no legal recreational regime. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Cannabis / THC in North Korea, full detail →

CBD

Legal status: CBD (cannabidiol) has no lawful consumer framework in North Korea — narcotics are controlled under the DPRK Criminal Law, and while cannabis's domestic status is opaque and inconsistently enforced, there is no legal CBD supplement or medical route; the precise cannabis-scheduling of CBD is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Drug offences fall under the Criminal Law with arbitrary and potentially severe enforcement (labour/imprisonment); there is no reliable published cannabis-specific penalty.
If prescribed / medical: There is no CBD/Epidiolex prescription scheme.
Documentation: No documentation framework exists for CBD; there is no lawful route.

unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

CBD in North Korea, full detail →

Cocaine

Legal status: Controlled under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — serious drug production and trafficking are capital-eligible (the death penalty applies to the gravest offences), with lower-level offences punishable by imprisonment or corrective labour; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is death for the gravest drug offences
Consequences if caught: Cocaine is controlled in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments). In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Cocaine in North Korea, full detail →

Crack Cocaine

Legal status: Crack is the freebase (base) form of cocaine and has no separate legal identity in North Korea: it is controlled AS cocaine under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments), whose narcotics provisions cover cocaine and its preparations and thus reach the base/freebase form. Serious production and trafficking are capital-eligible, and this carries over to crack whether powder or base.
Consequences if caught: Production and trafficking of crack (as cocaine) are capital-eligible under the DPRK Criminal Code; enforcement is opaque and extrajudicial outcomes are reported.
If prescribed / medical: Cocaine has no recognised lawful therapeutic use; the crack/freebase base has no medicinal preparation and cannot be prescribed.
Documentation: No prescription documentation exists for crack/freebase cocaine.

loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

Crack Cocaine in North Korea, full detail →

DMT

Legal status: Controlled under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — serious drug production and trafficking are capital-eligible (the death penalty applies to the gravest offences), with lower-level offences punishable by imprisonment or corrective labour; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is death for the gravest drug offences
Consequences if caught: DMT is controlled in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments). In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

DMT in North Korea, full detail →

Fentanyl

Legal status: Controlled under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — serious drug production and trafficking are capital-eligible (the death penalty applies to the gravest offences), with lower-level offences punishable by imprisonment or corrective labour; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is death for the gravest drug offences
Consequences if caught: Fentanyl is controlled in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments). In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Fentanyl in North Korea, full detail →

GHB

Legal status: Controlled under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — serious drug production and trafficking are capital-eligible (the death penalty applies to the gravest offences), with lower-level offences punishable by imprisonment or corrective labour; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is death for the gravest drug offences
Consequences if caught: GHB is controlled in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments). In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

GHB in North Korea, full detail →

Heroin

Legal status: Controlled under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — serious drug production and trafficking are capital-eligible (the death penalty applies to the gravest offences), with lower-level offences punishable by imprisonment or corrective labour; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is death for the gravest drug offences
Consequences if caught: Heroin is controlled in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments). In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Heroin in North Korea, full detail →

LSD

Legal status: Controlled under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — serious drug production and trafficking are capital-eligible (the death penalty applies to the gravest offences), with lower-level offences punishable by imprisonment or corrective labour; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is death for the gravest drug offences
Consequences if caught: LSD is controlled in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments). In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

LSD in North Korea, full detail →

MDMA

Legal status: Controlled under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — serious drug production and trafficking are capital-eligible (the death penalty applies to the gravest offences), with lower-level offences punishable by imprisonment or corrective labour; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is death for the gravest drug offences
Consequences if caught: MDMA is controlled in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments). In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

MDMA in North Korea, full detail →

Mescaline

Legal status: Controlled under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — serious drug production and trafficking are capital-eligible (the death penalty applies to the gravest offences), with lower-level offences punishable by imprisonment or corrective labour; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is death for the gravest drug offences
Consequences if caught: Mescaline is controlled in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments). In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Mescaline in North Korea, full detail →

Methamphetamine

Legal status: Controlled under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — serious drug production and trafficking are capital-eligible (the death penalty applies to the gravest offences), with lower-level offences punishable by imprisonment or corrective labour; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is death for the gravest drug offences
Consequences if caught: Methamphetamine is controlled in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments). In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Methamphetamine in North Korea, full detail →

PCP

Legal status: Controlled under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — serious drug production and trafficking are capital-eligible (the death penalty applies to the gravest offences), with lower-level offences punishable by imprisonment or corrective labour; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is death for the gravest drug offences
Consequences if caught: PCP is controlled in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments). In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

PCP in North Korea, full detail →

Pink Cocaine / Tusi

Legal status: Pink cocaine (tusi) is not scheduled as such; it is a variable mixture (typically ketamine + MDMA) prosecuted through its constituents — the DPRK controls MDMA under the Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments), which reaches serious drug production and trafficking. Because the blend varies batch to batch, exposure follows the most-severely-controlled component, so an MDMA-containing tusi sample carries capital exposure.
Consequences if caught: An MDMA-positive mixture engages serious drug-production and trafficking provisions of the DPRK Criminal Code that are capital-eligible, with the death penalty available for grave offences.
If prescribed / medical: No lawful supply of the mixture; MDMA has no accepted medical use, and ketamine, where present, would be a controlled medicine.
Documentation: Sold as a party powder of unknown makeup; because the blend varies batch to batch, buyers cannot know whether death-eligible MDMA is present, so capital-level legal exposure under the DPRK Criminal Code is unknowable at purchase.

loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

Pink Cocaine / Tusi in North Korea, full detail →

Psilocybin

Legal status: Controlled under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) — serious drug production and trafficking are capital-eligible (the death penalty applies to the gravest offences), with lower-level offences punishable by imprisonment or corrective labour; the specific article is left to confirmation against the current Criminal Code; the maximum penalty is death for the gravest drug offences
Consequences if caught: Psilocybin is controlled in North Korea under the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments). In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Psilocybin in North Korea, full detail →

Not individually verified

For these 67 substances the governing national drug law is cited, but we have not verified that the substance specifically is scheduled under it. Treat them as unanswered, not as legal. Confirm with North Korea’s drug authority or your embassy.

1P-LSD

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 1p lsd in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

2-FDCK

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 2 fdck in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

25I-NBOMe

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 25I-NBOMe in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

2C-E

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 2c e in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

2C-I

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 2C-I in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

2C-T-7

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 2C-T-7 in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

3-MMC

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 3 mmc in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

4-AcO-DMT

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 4 aco dmt in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

4-HO-MET

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 4 ho met in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

5-MeO-DMT (Bufo / Toad)

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 5 meo dmt in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

6-APB

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 6 apb in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 7 hydroxymitragynine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Adderall

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for adderall in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Amanita muscaria

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for amanita muscaria in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Amphetamine

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for amphetamine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Amyl Nitrite

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for amyl nitrite in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Ayahuasca

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for ayahuasca in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Barbiturates

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for barbiturates in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Buprenorphine

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for buprenorphine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Caffeine

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for caffeine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Cathinone

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for cathinone in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Clonazepam

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for clonazepam in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Codeine

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for codeine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Delta-8-THC

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for delta 8 thc in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Diazepam

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for diazepam in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

DOM

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for dom in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

DXM

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for dxm in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Ephedrine

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for ephedrine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Etizolam

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for etizolam in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Gabapentin

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for gabapentin in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

GBL

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for gbl in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

HHC

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for hhc in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Hydrocodone

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for hydrocodone in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Ketamine

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for Ketamine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Khat

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for Khat in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Kratom

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for Kratom in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Lorazepam

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for lorazepam in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

LSA (Morning Glory)

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for lsa in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

MDA

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for mda in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

MDPV

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for mdpv in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Memantine

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for memantine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Mephedrone (4-MMC)

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for mephedrone in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Methadone

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for methadone in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Methaqualone (Quaaludes)

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for methaqualone in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Methylone

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for methylone in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Methylphenidate

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for methylphenidate in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Mitragynine

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for mitragynine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Modafinil

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for modafinil in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Morphine

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for morphine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

MXE

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for mxe in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Nicotine

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for nicotine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Nitrous Oxide

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for nitrous oxide in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Oxycodone

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for oxycodone in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Peyote

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for Peyote in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Phenibut

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for phenibut in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Poppers

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for poppers in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Pregabalin

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for pregabalin in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Quetiapine

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for quetiapine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Salvia divinorum

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for Salvia divinorum in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Scopolamine (Devil's Breath)

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for scopolamine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2 / Spice)

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for synthetic cannabinoids in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

THC-P

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for thc p in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Tobacco

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for tobacco in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Tramadol

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for tramadol in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Xanax (Alprazolam)

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for alprazolam in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 13, 2026

Xylazine

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for Xylazine in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated June 28, 2026

Zolpidem

Legal status: Not confirmed — the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for zolpidem in North Korea is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not individually verified against North Korea's drug schedule; the DPRK Criminal Code (2013 revision and later amendments) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
Documentation: In North Korea, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments). The 2013 penal code revision designated illegal drug production a capital offence, and serious drug trafficking and smuggling are treated as grave crimes that can carry the death penalty; lower-level offences carry imprisonment or corrective labour. North Korea is among the small group of states with believed or confirmed drug-related executions in recent years (per the Harm Reduction International Global Overview); independent verification is constrained by extreme state opacity, and the specific Criminal Code article is left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for the gravest drug offences is death. A primary statute portal for DPRK law was not located; this cell is sourced via the Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor (loc.gov) and the UNODC legal database, with Harm Reduction International as a corroborating record. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Criminal Code of the DPRK (2013 revision and later amendments) · loc.gov · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary by country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with the destination’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 →

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