Drug Possession And Criminal Penalties In Turkey

DRUG CRIMES IN TURKEY

Unlike some EU countries, Turkey has a rather strict drug policy, where even illegal drug possession, including cannabis/marijuana, is considered as a punishable offense. In Turkey, almost all drugs are considered illegal and there is no legislation that allows the medical use of any non-pharmaceutical drugs. The main legislation and the provisions concerning illegal drugs are set forth at the Turkish Penal Code No. 5237 (TPC), and although the law does make a distinction between drug trafficking (Art. 188), enabling the sales of drugs (Art. 190) and drug possession for personal use (Art. 191), all three are considered as acts of crime and are deemed as punishable offenses.