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From cough syrup to codeine, the medicines you never knew were banned abroad

Believe it or not, some completely everyday medicines are banned in other countries. [Photo: Getty]
Believe it or not, some completely everyday medicines are banned in other countries. [Photo: Getty]

Every country has its own rules on what substances are allowed and which are banned – and failing to comply might have devastating consequences, as one unlucky British woman found out.

Yesterday, Laura Plummer, 34, from Hull, lost her appeal after being jailed for three years for travelling to Egypt with Tramadol pills, a strong painkiller, in her suitcase.

She was arrested by officials as she arrived at the Red Sea resort in Hurghada, after being found with the pills – which she has claimed were for her partner Omar Caboo’s back pain.

While Laura’s situation might seem shocking, it is nonetheless a risk many of us take. According to a Foreign Office survey, just 33 per cent of us seek advice on the medication rules of countries we travel to.

This is despite almost half of the population taking prescription medication – and a greater number taking over-the-counter medications, which might also fall under a country’s controlled substances list.

The Home Office provides a list of drugs commonly controlled under certain countries’ drugs legislations. Here are some common ones you should be looking out for:

Codeine

This is a painkiller drug sometimes used by heroin addicts to mimic the effect of the drugs. It is banned in Hong Kong, Greece and Indonesia.

Did you know that cough medicine is banned in Japan? [Photo: Getty]
Did you know that cough medicine is banned in Japan? [Photo: Getty]

Tramadol

This is another anti-pain medication, the same carried by Laura Plummer. It is banned in Egypt and a number of US states, while Greece and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have strict laws controlling the misuse of this drug.

Anti-anxiety medication

If you take medication for anxiety, be sure to obtain a license before you travel to Singapore, where these medicines are controlled by law.

Sleeping pills

Also banned in Singapore – you will need a license to permit travelling with these substances. Some sleeping pills are banned in Indonesia, also.

Did you know cough medicine is banned in Japan? [Photo: Getty]
Did you know cough medicine is banned in Japan? [Photo: Getty]

Cold and cough medicines

Psuedophedrine, a common ingredient in Sudafed and Vicks, is banned in Japan, while many over-the-counter cold and cough remedies are banned in Qatar and must be accompanied by a doctor’s prescription.

Any prescription medicine

This should be accompanied by a doctor’s note if you are travelling to Costa Rica or China. You should also only bring the amount required for your stay.

Travelling abroad soon? The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises tourists should contact the embassy, high commission or consulate in the UK to ask whether your specific medication could be banned. The UK government website provides a full list of foreign embassies.


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