Drugs
Where prison sentences are harshest for drug possession
In many countries, drug possession can result in life imprisonment or even a death sentences. In many more, possessing any amount of cannabis, cocaine, heroin or any other illicit drug can result in a heavy prison sentence. In Nigeria, sentences are some of the longest at 25 years, while Turkey can punish offenders with up to 18 years in jail. Read the full story in the Independent.
Description
This chart shows the average maximum years of imprisonment for drug possession in 2016.
Countries in the world with the highest prison sentences for drug possession as of 2023
Drugs whose possession is punished with higher prison sentences in 2023
Number of people imprisoned for illicit drug offences in Australia from 2011 to 2022
Perceived lightness of sentences for drug-related crimes in South Korea as of December 2022
Proportion of people imprisoned for illicit drug offences in Australia from 2010 to 2022
Maximum prison sentence in countries where homosexual relations are criminalized in 2025, by gender
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