DRUG PENALTIES AND PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: Penalties for drug offenses are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences up to 25 years and fines.

As in the United States, the purchase of controlled medication requires a doctor's prescription. The Mexican list of controlled medication differs from that of the U.S., and Mexican public health laws concerning controlled medication are unclear and often enforced selectively. The U.S. Embassy recommends against U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico for the sole purpose of buying prescription drugs. U.S. citizens have been arrested, and their medicines have been confiscated by the Mexican authorities, even though their prescriptions were written by a physician and filled by a licensed Mexican pharmacist. Possession of any amount of prescription medicine (especially psychotropic drugs, such as valium) brought from the United States can result in arrest if Mexican authorities suspect abuse or if the quantity of the prescription medicine exceeds the amount required for several days use. Individuals should consider carrying a copy of the prescription and a doctor’s letter explaining that the quantity of medication is appropriate for their personal medical use. U.S. citizens, who plan to go to Mexico to purchase medication or who may be in possession of medication prescribed in the United States, should check with the nearest Mexican consulate before traveling to Mexico.

FIREARMS PENALTIES: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against taking any type of firearm or ammunition into Mexico without prior written authorization from the Mexican authorities. Entering Mexico with a firearm or even a single round of ammunition is illegal, even if the firearm or ammunition is taken into Mexico unintentionally. The Mexican Government strictly enforces its laws restricting the entry of firearms and ammunition along all land borders and at air and seaports. Violations have resulted in arrests, convictions, and long prison sentences for U.S. citizens, including several who unintentionally crossed the border with firearms or ammunition in their possession. U.S. citizens approaching Mexico along the land border who realize they are in possession of unauthorized firearms or ammunition should not try to enter Mexico. The only way to import firearms and/or ammunition into Mexico legally is to secure a permit in advance from the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C. or from a Mexican consulate, even if the firearm is legally registered in the United States.

Vessels entering Mexican waters with firearms or ammunition on board must have a permit previously issued by the Mexican Embassy or a Mexican consulate. Mariners do not avoid prosecution for arms smuggling by declaring their weapons at the port of entry. Before traveling, mariners who have obtained a Mexican firearms permit should contact port officials to receive guidance on the specific procedures used to report and secure weapons and ammunition.

ALIEN SMUGGLING: Anyone arrested for transporting aliens into or out of Mexico may be prosecuted by Mexican authorities for alien smuggling in addition to any charges they may face in the other country involved, including the United States. Alien smuggling and harboring aliens is a serious felony offense in Mexico.