Understanding the issue

Narcotics matters can concern alleged possession, supply, trafficking or importation, as well as the carriage of controlled medicines. Identify the allegation, substance, location and procedural stage. Avoid treating a broad label as a complete account of the facts.

An organised enquiry brings official notices together with the records already available, including seizure documents, laboratory reports or relevant prescriptions. The discussion can then identify questions about the evidence, applicable procedure and representation. Any possibility of bail or other interim relief needs specific local legal assessment.

Matters within this area

  • Alleged possession and supply of controlled substances
  • Trafficking, importation and border-related enquiries
  • Prescribed medicines and travel documentation
  • Seizure records, laboratory reports and procedural questions

A detail worth knowing

A prescription is not a universal travel permit

INCB explains that countries differ in the medical uses they permit for controlled substances, recognition of prescriptions, quantity limits and additional documentation. A medicine prescribed in one country may require separate checks or permission in another. Confirm current requirements with the relevant national authority before travel.

INCB Annual Report 2025: travellers and controlled medicines

What to prepare

  • Keep available official notices, case references and seizure or inventory documents in their existing form.
  • Gather relevant prescriptions, medical documentation, travel records and any laboratory reports already provided.
  • List the stated allegation, location, upcoming dates and questions needing a private discussion with a lawyer.

Questions to discuss

  • What substance and conduct does the official allegation identify, and which documents support that account?
  • Which questions about the records, procedural stage or interim measures need local legal assessment?

General information. The applicable law, available procedures and deadlines depend on the jurisdiction and the facts. The team confirms service scope and engagement terms directly.