flyerCO

As long as it's the version with pesduoephedrine they all take it seriously. It's the main ingredient in meth.

Loren Pechtel

No. It's easily converted into meth. The only pseudophedrine in meth is due to imperfect manufacture.

TWA884

If you wish to discuss manufacturing methamphetamine from Sudafed and/or pseudoephedrine, please do so in OMNI.

Thank you,

TWA884
Travel Safety/Security co-moderator

JerseyJoe

Very interesting thread. I've carried a small amount of Vicodin [prescription]
with me on my travels due to a history of kidney stones and never really thought much of it until now.
Where can one find a listing of prohibited or restricted substances for each country?
Steroids: Testosterone, yes classified. Anti-inflammatory steroids such
as prednisone, not classified.

flyerCO

INCB Regulations by Country

MSPeconomist

Australia has some tough regulations, including forbidding some OTC medicines that are common in the USA.

flyerCO

Most of Australias rules for what we would consider C-II (most narcotics) are actually easy if you carry it with you when entering and it's less then 30 day supply. The hard part is that you can't ship in any if you need it for any reason. (Stolen, more then 30 day stay, etc) However most doctors are much more willing to prescribe in AU/NZ then in the US. I ran out while I'm SYD and had no issue getting a new 30 day just by showing my empty bottle from the US. Quick 30 min appointment on a Sunday and walked over and got it filled.

The OTC issue is normally for pseudoephedrine/ephedrine containing products.

VelvetJones

Yes, but surprising not Canada, as I found out last week. I was glad to be able to just walk in and buy the real stuff without ID or other hassle.

As for the OP, simply saying Opioids and Malaysia in the same sentence should make you think twice. Caning is minimum sentence for drug possession in Malaysia, with death being the other end of the spectrum.

chollie

Yes, and you can get 222's in Canada. You have to ask at the pharmacy counter, but you're not required to show ID to buy it. Illegal in the US without a prescription.

Anecdotally, someone who used to bring 222's back for migraines (on the advice of her US doctor) was told by an American CBP agent that it's illegal to bring back more than one bottle per visit.

brodielayne

No need for a workaround. Be honest with your physician, let them know what you need, and likely you will get the script you need.

flyerCO

Malaysia isn't bad as long as it's on its original prescription bottle with label. Also needs to be 30 days or less supply. Just went through there. SIN though requires you fill out a form, and submit it 10 days before travel there. Then have to declare it at customs. Of course most times they'll let US/UK citizens through even if they haven't filed it out and submitted. Provided of course all other conditions are met.

Tetsujin

Check EACH country you visit. Do not trust that a prescription bottle or doctor's note will save you. In Japan it won't. In Japan they will detain your for a few weeks and deport you, but in other Asian countries, they are more strict and may throw you in a local prison.


As a Japan resident, who has had friends and family visit Japan carrying hydrocodone, this is illegal to carry without completing a special form and obtaining permission several weeks beforehand.

Hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and a few other medicines in any amount for any reason require this form.

These drugs are strictly controlled and legal in Japan with prescriptions from a doctor in Japan, but prescriptions from other countries are considered invalid.

Every so often some tourist makes the local news for getting arrested for carrying a prescription bottle. Sometimed they make international news. Story is always the same, few weeks detention, deportation, re-entry banned for 5-10 years.
The US embassy in Japan has in bold letters "The Japanese border officials do not make on the spot humanitarian decisions".

For anyone reading this from Google searches, do NOT take Adderall, stimulants or pseudoephedrine(common in OTC cold medicine like Mucinex) or any compound that can be harvested to make things like meth. Even Vicks rub and inhalers.These are 100% illegal in Japan, and there is no special form for these. If a dog picks up your bag be ready for a really bad time.

chollie

It's the OTC (in the US) drug prohibitions that might have tripped me up, specifically Sudafed. I took it to Japan twice without realizing I wasn't supposed to.

Jeannietx

OP, by asking the question you already know the answer.

If you are willing to take the chance then whatever happens is on you.

Loren Pechtel

Yeah--many years ago I went through Japan with some pseudophedrine. It didn't occur to me it could be an issue. What does Japan do for a decongestant?