"Recently, the number of cases of detention of persons attempting to cross the border with the Peganum harmala (also known as Syrian rue) plant by law enforcement agencies of some countries has been increasing. As a result, administrative or criminal liability measures are taken against these persons," the Forensic Expertise Center of the Ministry of Justice said in a statement, APA reports.
The information states that although the Peganum harmala plant is widely used in traditional medicine and cultural-ritual practices, some alkaloid substances it contains—especially harmaline, harmine, and other compounds with psychotropic effects—are included in the lists of restricted or fully banned substances in several countries: "Accordingly, citizens traveling abroad or returning to our country from abroad are advised not to carry Peganum harmala plants, seeds, extracts, or any other forms of the plant with them. This is important to avoid the legal risks and liabilities established by the legislation of those countries."
It was noted that the Forensic Expertise Center of the Ministry of Justice has prepared a preventive advisory regarding the origin, chemical composition, legal status, and liability-related aspects of the Peganum harmala plant. The purpose of this advisory is to ensure the safety of citizens and to conduct public awareness campaigns to prevent legal issues that may arise when traveling abroad with the plant or returning to the republic from foreign countries.
