From Judy Hedding,
Your Guide to Phoenix.
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Oct 2 2006

For years many Arizonans, Californians, and Texans with convenient access to Mexican border towns have made the trip across the various borders to buy prescribed drugs.

Why Do People Go To Mexico To Buy Prescription Drugs?

There are basically only three reasons why people would consider going to Mexico to purchase their prescription drugs.

• Some prescription drugs are cheaper in Mexico than they are in the United States.
• Some drugs may be difficult to get locally.
• Some drugs that require a prescription in the U.S. are sold over the counter in Mexico.

Whatever your reasons for wanting to buy prescription drugs in Mexico, if you are considering making the trip there are some important things you ought to know.

Is Buying Drugs in Mexico Illegal Under U.S. Laws?

The interstate shipment, including importation, of unapproved new drugs is prohibited in the U.S. "Unapproved" drugs are any medicines that have not received the FDA's approval and include foreign-made versions of U.S.-approved drugs.

Controlled substances including, but not limited to, tranquilizers and pain killers, are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

In either case, the import of a personal supply of any drug brought over the border must be declared to U.S. Customs, and you should have a valid prescription from a U.S doctor with you. The prescription must be in your own name.

Is Buying Drugs in Mexico Illegal Under Mexican Laws?

Some drugs, including controlled substances, may not be purchased in Mexico without a valid prescription from a Mexican doctor. Other laws may also apply.

Serious Risks When You Buy Prescription Drugs in Mexico

• Drugs you purchase in Mexico may be counterfeit. Medical studies show that one in five drugs purchased in Mexico is counterfeit or substandard.
• Do not assume that Mexican pharmacy employees have any medical training.
• You have no recourse if the drugs you purchase are worthless or do you harm.
• In many cases, you do not know where the drugs were made or how they were handled.
• If you receive directions for use at all, they might not be in English.
• Breaking U.S. laws regarding importation of foreign drugs may lead to your arrest in the U.S. Do not lie to U.S. Customs.
• Breaking Mexican laws regarding purchasing of drugs may lead to your arrest in the Mexico. Penalties for drug offenses are strict, and convicted offenders can expect large fines and jail sentences up to 25 years. Unknowingly breaking the law, or getting a Mexican prescription, even unknowingly, from someone who is not authorized to issue it does not excuse a U.S. citizen from prosecution in Mexico.
• You must declare the drugs at Customs upon your return. Customs permits people to bring back reasonable amounts of medications for personal use, but does not allow stockpiling or purchasing large amounts of drugs for what will be assumed is a commercial or resale purpose. If the medication is a controlled substance, a reasonable amount means up to 50 combined total doses.
• If you do bring a prescription drug that is a controlled substance into the U.S. from Mexico, it must be for legitimate personal medical use. It should be in the original container, which must identify the substance and the name and address of the dispenser.
• If you lie to customs about having drugs and you are caught, the consequences could be simple, like having the drugs taken away, or very serious, such as going to jail.
• Although this is not a border issue, you should know that obtaining controlled substances from a foreign source via the internet or mail order is illegal unless you are an approved, registered importer with DEA.

Still thinking of buying drugs in Mexico?

My advice: think twice. It isn't worth the risks you are taking with your health and your freedom.

Get Current Information About Regulations on Importing Drugs From Mexico

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Phoenix Field Office

U. S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Personal Exemption Information

U. S. Customs and Border Protection

U. S. Department of State, Consular Information on Mexico

Disclaimer: Laws are constantly changing, and the guidelines mentioned here are subject to change without notice. I am not a doctor, nor am I a U.S. Customs official, DEA official, or FDA official. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, contact a physician. If you have questions about current laws regarding importation of drugs, contact U.S. Customs.

Disclaimer: You may see advertisements on this page for cheap drugs from other countries or online stores. I am unable to control the ads on this page, and such an ad's appearance here does not constitute my endorsement of the company or the product.