Legality2C-B in Papua New Guinea, full detail →Benzodiazepines in Papua New Guinea, full detail →Cannabis / THC in Papua New Guinea, full detail →Cocaine in Papua New Guinea, full detail →DMT in Papua New Guinea, full detail →Fentanyl in Papua New Guinea, full detail →GHB in Papua New Guinea, full detail →Heroin in Papua New Guinea, full detail →LSD in Papua New Guinea, full detail →MDMA in Papua New Guinea, full detail →Mescaline in Papua New Guinea, full detail →Methamphetamine in Papua New Guinea, full detail →PCP in Papua New Guinea, full detail →Psilocybin in Papua New Guinea, full detail →
Legal status in Papua New Guinea
Per-substance legal status for Papua New Guinea, 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.
Confirmed legal status
2C-B
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), the 2021 Act substantially increased penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking (specific terms and section numbers not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- 2C-B is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
Benzodiazepines
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), the 2021 Act substantially increased penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking (specific terms and section numbers not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Benzodiazepines is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
Cannabis / THC
- Legal status
- Cannabis controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), penalties for possession/dealing/trafficking increased under the 2021 Act (specific terms not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); no legal recreational or medical regime; the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Cannabis is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, with no legal recreational regime. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
Cocaine
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), the 2021 Act substantially increased penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking (specific terms and section numbers not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Cocaine is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
DMT
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), the 2021 Act substantially increased penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking (specific terms and section numbers not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- DMT is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
Fentanyl
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), the 2021 Act substantially increased penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking (specific terms and section numbers not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Fentanyl is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
GHB
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), the 2021 Act substantially increased penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking (specific terms and section numbers not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- GHB is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
Heroin
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), the 2021 Act substantially increased penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking (specific terms and section numbers not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Heroin is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
LSD
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), the 2021 Act substantially increased penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking (specific terms and section numbers not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- LSD is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
MDMA
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), the 2021 Act substantially increased penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking (specific terms and section numbers not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- MDMA is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
Mescaline
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), the 2021 Act substantially increased penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking (specific terms and section numbers not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Mescaline is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
Methamphetamine
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), the 2021 Act substantially increased penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking (specific terms and section numbers not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Methamphetamine is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
PCP
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), the 2021 Act substantially increased penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking (specific terms and section numbers not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- PCP is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
Psilocybin
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 (which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), the 2021 Act substantially increased penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking (specific terms and section numbers not pinned in this cell; confirm against the current statute); the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Psilocybin is controlled in Papua New Guinea under the Controlled Substances Act 2021. In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Papua New Guinea, drugs fall under the Controlled Substances Act 2021, which replaced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (whose penalties had been capped at around two years). The 2021 Act substantially increased the penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking, modelled on the imprisonment-based regimes of comparable Pacific and Commonwealth jurisdictions; Papua New Guinea repealed the death penalty in 2022, so the ceiling for all offences, drug offences included, is imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. The precise penalty quantities and section numbers under the 2021 Act are not pinned in this cell and should be confirmed against the current statute. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Controlled Substances Act 2021 (replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952), specific penalty terms not pinned · reported by The National (thenational.com.pg, 2021) · Updated June 27, 2026
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Not individually verified
74 substances are not individually verified for Papua New Guinea
For these 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 Papua New Guinea’s drug authority or your embassy.
| Substance | What we found |
|---|---|
| 1P-LSD | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 1p... |
| 2-FDCK | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 2... |
| 25I-NBOMe | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| 2C-E | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 2c... |
| 2C-I | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| 2C-T-7 | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| 3-MMC | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 3... |
| 4-AcO-DMT | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 4... |
| 4-HO-MET | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 4... |
| 5-MeO-DMT (Bufo / Toad) | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 5... |
| 6-APB | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 6... |
| 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 7... |
| Adderall | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Alcohol | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Amanita muscaria | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Amphetamine | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Amyl Nitrite | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Ayahuasca | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Barbiturates | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Buprenorphine | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Caffeine | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Cannabinol | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Cathinone | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| CBD | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for cbd... |
| Clonazepam | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Codeine | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Crack Cocaine | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Delta-8-THC | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Diazepam | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| DOM | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for dom... |
| DXM | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for dxm... |
| Ephedrine | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Etizolam | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Gabapentin | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| GBL | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for gbl... |
| HHC | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for hhc... |
| Hydrocodone | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Ketamine | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Khat | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Kratom | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Lorazepam | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| LSA (Morning Glory) | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for lsa... |
| MDA | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for mda... |
| MDPV | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Memantine | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Mephedrone (4-MMC) | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Methadone | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Methaqualone (Quaaludes) | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Methylone | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Methylphenidate | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Mitragynine | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Modafinil | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Morphine | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| MXE | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for mxe... |
| Nicotine | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Nimetazepam | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Nitrous Oxide | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Opium | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Oxycodone | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Peyote | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Phenibut | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Pink Cocaine / Tusi | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Poppers | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Pregabalin | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Quetiapine | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Salvia divinorum | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Scopolamine (Devil's Breath) | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2 / Spice) | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| THC-P | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for thc... |
| Tobacco | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Tramadol | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Xanax (Alprazolam) | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Xylazine | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
| Zolpidem | Not confirmed, the Controlled Substances Act 2021 is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for... |
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 →