Travelling with Weed
While cannabis laws are relaxing across the globe the topic of travelling with it is still contentious. Generally, it's a good rule of thumb to not try and cross borders with it, even if you are travelling from a legal country to another legal country. Holidays are a time to relax and forget about your troubles but there’s so much that could go wrong if you decide to try and take your weed with you.
So, what happens if you get caught taking illegal drugs through an airport?
Dependent in the country, you could be refused bail and be detained until trial
Being caught by UK customs with just a small amount of class C drugs may just get you a fine but you will still get a customs record, and if you are caught again it will be criminal prosecution.
 If someone in your travel party is caught with drugs, you’ll presumably get searched and challenged too.Â
You will get a criminal record if you carry drugs through airport security (UK), which could mean that you cannot get visas for countries, including the USA.
If you’ve been caught with drugs abroad, you could be banned from entering that country again.
Injury or illness due to drugs is not covered by travel insurance and your tour operator may also refuse to fly you home.
Do not risk taking drugs in or into these countries:
Death penalty:Â
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bali, Indonesia and IranÂ
Heavy prison sentence countries:Â
Cyprus: zero-tolerance policy, You could face a hefty fine – or even life imprisonment.
Greece: possession of even small quantities can lead to lengthy imprisonment
South East Asia: prison sentences of 40 to 50 years are not uncommon
Harsh sentence:Â
India: 10 years for smoking weed
Jamaica: Drug offences, even involving small quantities result in prison sentences and large fines.Â
Morocco: Maximum of 10 years imprisonment and a fine.
Tunisia: Possession of even a small amount of drugs could get you a prison sentence. More serious charges can even result in a 20-year sentence plus a fine.
Turkey: a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Venezuela: Drug carriers face a minimum of 10 years in prison in very harsh conditions
Protect Yourself When Travelling
Pack your luggage yourself and keep it with you at all times before check-in.
Carry a prescription for any medication you may need to avoid unnecessary delays at customs and immigration checks.Â
Be aware of anyone approaching you at airports, no matter how innocent it seems. Be cautious also when accepting gifts when abroad as it’s easy to hide drugs in items like vases and even toys.
 Don’t allow yourself to be persuaded or coerced into carrying drugs across borders or through customs. For similar It's not worth the risk.
Don’t cross borders with strangers. If they are carrying drugs on themselves or in a vehicle that you are in, you could be implicated.
More on this topic from Soft Secrets:
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Liz Filmer
