10 countries with very harsh drug laws

Singapore is infamous for its stringent drug laws. The Misuse of Drugs Act in Singapore allows for the death penalty in cases involving high amounts of illegal substances, including over 500 grams of cannabis. Even for lesser amounts, trafficking can lead to life imprisonment.

In Indonesia, drug laws are harsh and strictly enforced. Trafficking in larger amounts of drugs, including marijuana, can lead to the death penalty. Tourists and foreign nationals have frequently been caught in the crossfire of Indonesia’s aggressive anti-drug policies.

Like its neighbor Singapore, Malaysia has very tough drug laws. Possession of 200 grams of marijuana or more is presumed by law to be trafficking, and trafficking in certain amounts of drugs can result in the death penalty.

China’s drug laws are stringent, and drug trafficking can lead to the death penalty, especially for larger quantities. The country regularly conducts severe penalties for drug-related offenses, impacting both locals and foreigners alike.

Iran also enforces the death penalty for drug trafficking. Possession of more than 30 grams of certain narcotics can result in capital punishment. Iran has one of the highest rates of executions for drug offenses in the world.

Saudi Arabia is known for its zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs. Trafficking, smuggling, possessing, or consuming drugs can lead to the death penalty. The kingdom frequently carries out executions for such offenses.

While Thailand has recently made moves to decriminalize and even commercialize cannabis, trafficking hard drugs can still result in severe penalties, including the death penalty. The laws remain very strict for substances like heroin and methamphetamine.

The UAE has stringent drug laws where even very small amounts of drugs can lead to a minimum of four years in prison. Larger quantities and trafficking can lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Vietnam sentences individuals found trafficking substantial amounts of drugs to death. Recent years have seen several executions and life sentences handed down to both locals and foreigners.

Under its controversial war on drugs, the Philippines has seen thousands of drug-related killings. While the death penalty was abolished in 2006, current political pressures and aggressive anti-drug campaigns make the environment very risky for anyone involved with drugs.

This list is not exhaustive, and laws frequently change. If you’re planning to travel, it’s crucial to understand and respect the local laws of your destination—especially those related to drugs. Even carrying prescription medications into certain countries can require specific documentation and adherence to particular protocols.

Before packing your bags, a thorough check of the latest travel advisories and customs regulations is more than just advisable—it could be life-saving. Remember, when it comes to drugs, what’s casual at home can be criminal abroad.