SHOPPING FOR
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE IN MEXICO Prescription drug prices may be 20% to
30% cheaper than the United States, but the Mexican Federal Penal Code (Codico
Federal, Articulo 195) does not allow the importation, possession,
exportation or sale of
prescription (controlled) medicine (without
authorization). The penalties are determined by the quantity, type of drug
and danger to the public. However, the law also indicates that possession on
one occasion for personal use and medical reasons is allowed. Naturally
there is no problem purchasing the medicine at the Mexican pharmacy with a
prescription from a Mexican doctor and taking the medication during the
trip.
Therefore, if an American decides to cross the border
with the medication purchased in the Mexican pharmacies, without a
prescription, and for personal use, it is nonetheless a technical violation
of U.S. law. The usual consequences at the border are substantial delays, a
thorough search, and the seizure of the drugs. Whether the possession is for
personal use becomes the border agent's discretionary decision and the DEA
is often consulted.
