1.- INTRODUCTION TO DRUGS IN PERU
One of the negative aspects that has historically made Peru recognized is undoubtedly the production and trafficking of drugs, essentially cocaine. However what many do not understand is that the origin of this kind of products are based on cultural elements of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited this territory, for example the coca leaf has its origin primarily within the Andean region and is closely linked to the Andean worldview, however the use has been completely distorted for the illicit production of many Drugs in Peru. In the VRAEM territory, located in the southern part of the country, is where the main source of coca leaf cultivation is found and is known to be one of the main points of operation for criminals and drug traffickers, which is why it has become a major concern for society and often directly affects activities such as travel and tourism.
Cocaine is precisely based on the industrialized transformation of coca leaves, so it is directly one of the main illegal exports that can be registered in Peru. Naturally, the Peruvian government and the Peruvian State are making several efforts to eradicate and destroy all these illicit crops, but it still remains a persistent challenge, however, something that very few people understand is that these crops represent an economic means for rural communities that inhabit these areas and their development depends entirely on this crop, so it becomes a very difficult cycle to break.
2.- Anti-drug policies
In order to combat and eradicate drugs in Peru, the Peruvian government has implemented many anti-drug policies in order to somehow reduce the excessive production that every day is seen for this is based first on eliminating illegal coca crops that exist for this herbicides are used, On the other hand, there are also alternative development programs that are mainly aimed at areas that have been most affected by the presence of criminal organizations. Thanks to international cooperation with the United States, this effort has been strengthened, since many training programs have been successfully financed to directly combat drug trafficking.
This plan is essential in order to eradicate Drugs in Peru has often been criticized due to the methods implemented for its operation such as the use of herbicides as it directly affects areas of cultivation that may be found in nearby communities and thus completely affects the production of other elements such as basic necessities. However, another of the strategies included in the strengthening of the affected regions is to promote economic development alternatives such as tourism or ecotourism.
| “Inner peace and travel are more relaxing than any kind of drug.” |
3.- Cultural context
The coca leaf has a direct relationship with the Andean region since pre-Columbian times, since it has long been part of ceremonies, rituals and even belongs to the traditional medicine that is practiced to this day throughout the Andean region, so it will always be important to recognize the clear difference that exists from its traditional use to its industrialized and improper use as a drug. Primarily it can be seen that this problem occurs in large cities where urbanization and poverty have become the main factors to promote the sale and consumption of these products that directly damage the human organism.
Of course, domestic drug consumption is presented as a substance abuse that can hardly be combated even with the prevention and rehabilitation policies that the State has implemented, since they are limited and in some cities there are not enough resources to be able to fully address the problem.
Learn more about this topic in our blog article: Peru Coca Leaf: Beyond The Myths
4.- Importance of this information for the traveler
Travelers arriving to Peru should know all this information to be aware of the situation regarding illegal substances and drugs, the tourism activity is considered one of the main economic sources in Peru although it is also one of the reasons why the traffic of these illicit substances is promoted since there are people who with the end of consuming them can pay a higher amount. On the other hand it is extremely important to know about the Peruvian laws regarding the consumption and trafficking of these substances because in this way you can avoid any kind of legal problem that may arise, the most important thing is always to keep in mind that both the possession and trafficking of drugs is fully criminalized and results in quite serious consequences such as years in jail even with minimal amounts the law is quite strict and there is no tolerance in the least.
On the other hand we must understand that drugs themselves are elements of which have been abused in their use, however it is also common to find some legal Drugs in Peru which essentially can be consumed in small doses as is the case of antibiotics and other elements that can be purchased in authorized places such as hospitals or pharmacies which exist in all cities.
5.- LEGAL STATUS OF DRUGS IN PERU
But it contains one of the strictest legislations on the subject of drugs because it is not considered one of the most popular places in terms of transit and tourism for this reason the Peruvian regulations seek to control the possession, consumption and of course the illegal trafficking of substances such as drugs so it has provided sanctions and punishments quite severe for those who violate these rules.
5.1.- Laws and penalties
In Peru there is Law No. 28017 which directly controls and regulates the control of production, trafficking and consumption of illegal substances and establishes many restrictions. The legislation explicitly bases its function on the prohibition of production, trafficking, consumption and of course sale of substances such as cocaine, marijuana and all existing synthetic drugs. However, what should be taken into account is that the law has a clear distinction between personal consumption and trafficking, so there is a fairly minimal tolerance in terms of the position for personal use.
In this regard the Peruvian law within its regulation allows that the personal possession of substances such as drugs is minimal establishing a limit of up to 8 g of cocaine paste and only 2 g of marijuana, passing these amounts is already considered as the act of trafficking and of course results in severe punishments and sanctions such as imprisonment. These penalties are quite rigorous and severe at the same time for those who are directly involved with the production, sale or just transportation of drugs face sentences from 8 to 15 years in prison.
5.2.- Types of penalties
There are several categories of penalties that are directly related to drugs although it does not distinguish whether it is a local person or a tourist these apply equally so you should be very careful during your next trip.
- During an intervention it is possible to find in the person a certain amount of drugs that may be within the legal limits which does not have a repercussion of jail, however there may be a judicial process in which the person is subjected to a rehabilitation process and even a fine.
- When exceeding the allowed amount, it falls into the category of drug trafficking and therefore can face a penalty between 8 and 15 years of effective imprisonment, the time varies depending on the amount of drugs seized within the arrest in addition to what is the direct relationship that the person has with the trafficking
6.- LAW ENFORCEMENT AND POLICE ABOUT THE DRUGS IN PERU
In urban areas and large cities, operations are constantly carried out with the intention of combating drug trafficking and consumption; however, in rural and remote areas, the focus of the police is essentially on the destruction of illegal crops. However, this action by the Peruvian police is not only limited to resources but also to dismantling criminal organizations whose purpose is to carry out acts of drug trafficking, which is why they constantly carry out controls and checkpoints in various strategic places in the country.
Generally the police are quite strict in terms of compliance with the rules and laws established for drug control, so it is also quite common to see patrols and vehicle checks at certain times. As a tourist it is possible that in one of these operations you may find yourself in the middle of the search, so it is important that you cooperate at all times and act correctly.
When a traveler is detained for suspicion of drug possession there is a process of first inspection and then execution, if it does not contain anything the traveler can continue on his way without problems, however if they find some kind of substance even in minimal quantities probably will be faced with legal proceedings as the police have the power to make immediate arrests so in any sense the consequences for containing drugs is always serious, this process regularly follows a sequence of steps:
- The arresting police officer asks for documentation to identify the person from whom the drugs have been found and seized.
- They face a process of interrogation in which they seek to know the origin of the drug and of course understand the relationship that they have with this activity.
- In case of possession of quantities above the established limits, the person is arrested for drug trafficking.
- The person is immediately taken to the nearest police station in order to be submitted to a trial, which may take several days.
7.- Rights of visitors
When a foreign person arrives in Peru, he/she has the right to be treated according to the laws of the country, however, he/she must also receive assistance from the consulate in case he/she is detained. At this point, both ambassadors and consulates intervene for the aspects of detention, although they cannot influence the judicial process, for this reason it is very important that travelers who seek to visit Peru know in detail all the information about the regulations that are in force in the country and can prioritize the use of legal Drugs in Peru, in this way they can avoid sanctions or consequences because of being related to illegal drugs.
7.- LEGAL NOTICE
“The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only but should not be considered as legal advice or otherwise, the general regulations that exist about drug trafficking and Drugs in Peru can change suddenly at any time for this reason before you make your trip is important that you can look for more relevant and updated information about it.”
8.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Is coca tea legal in Peru, and will it make me fail a drug test?
Yes, coca tea is legal in Peru and in fact its use is recommended for travelers arriving to the highlands of the country as it helps a lot with altitude acclimatization. On the other hand you must understand that coca contains alkaloids that when industrialized produce cocaine for this reason if you get to perform a drug test probably as this cocaine detection does not distinguish the form in which it has been consumed.
- Can tourists legally participate in ayahuasca ceremonies in Peru?
Yes, Ayahuasca is a traditional ceremony and because of its natural origin is allowed illegal in many parts of the country, the use of this psychedelic plant is quite common by the Andean communities for spiritual and healing purposes of course to be able to do it safely you must choose your travel agency properly.
- What are the penalties for drug possession in Peru?
Mainly the most severe sanction lies in the effective imprisonment of the person with a sanction between 8 and 15 years in jail, this time varies according to the amount of drug seized in addition to the relationship that the person has with the activities.
- How strict is drug enforcement at tourist destinations in Peru?
They are really strict because being a tourist destination it is common that controls are constantly carried out in order to maintain order and good harmony within the whole society.
Now you know how important it is to avoid at all times the possession and consumption of illegal drugs, if you do not get involved in the least in these activities I assure you that you will enjoy an unforgettable adventure and of course if you get to have any unintentional contact it is best to keep your distance immediately. Auri Peru always recommends enjoying a safe and worry free trip, contact us now if you are looking to create an unforgettable adventure.
“Taking drugs does NOT make you modern and free, it makes you weak and a slave.”
