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Tourist detained at Tbilisi airport for carrying prescribed ADHD medicine without documents
On 30 April 2026, customs officers at Tbilisi airport stopped a 22-year-old tourist from Canada.1 He had Adderall prescribed in Canada, but not the prescription itself, and he had not declared it.2,3 Georgian rules require a stamped prescription in English, a certificate from the prescribing doctor, and a customs declaration.4 He was charged with smuggling and illegal possession of narcotic drugs, and held in Gldani prison.3 In late June, he pleaded guilty, paid a fine of 30,000 GEL (about 11,000 US dollars) and left Georgia.5,6
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The Maldives allows methylphenidate for ADHD treatment
Methylphenidate had been on the Maldives' list of banned drugs. Parliament removed it in May 2026, and a presidential decree made it available as a main treatment for ADHD.7
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England's ADHD taskforce publishes its final report
The taskforce was set up because waiting lists were growing. It recommends faster diagnosis, more training and a bigger role for family doctors.8
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WHO again does not add methylphenidate to its essential medicines list
The same request was also turned down in 2019 and 2021, because of doubts about the evidence.9 Methylphenidate is still approved in all EU countries.10 How other countries do it
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Australia's parliament recommends a national ADHD plan
A parliamentary inquiry made 15 recommendations, mainly a national plan developed together with people who have ADHD.11,12
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Ministry of Health confirms that no stimulant ADHD medicine is registered
In a reply to a citizen, the Ministry said methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate and dextroamphetamine are not registered in Georgia, and that registering them is up to drug companies and importers.13
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Radio Tavisupleba reports on adults living with ADHD in Georgia
A Georgian-language report about adults with ADHD and the lack of treatment options.14
Know of news that should be here? Write to info@adhd.advocacy.ge.
Where this information comes from
- Radio Tavisupleba (13 June 2026). "It helps you live but causes trouble with the law: what happens if ADHD medicine is found on you?" (in Georgian; title translated). RFE/RL.
- CBC News (June 2026). "Vancouver man detained in Georgia for carrying ADHD meds, family says."
- Civil.ge (8 June 2026). "Canadian student detained after entering Georgia with ADHD medication, family says."
- OC Media (June 2026). "Canadian man reportedly detained in Tbilisi for carrying Adderall."
- OC Media (June 2026). "Canadian tourist arrested in Georgia for having ADHD medication released after hefty fine."
- Radio Tavisupleba (June 2026). "Tourist detained at the airport over ADHD medicine to get a plea deal, says lawyer" (in Georgian; title translated). RFE/RL.
- President's Office, Republic of Maldives (12 May 2026). "President issues decree amending the Drugs Act to facilitate the availability of methylphenidate for ADHD treatment."
- NHS England (November 2025). "NHS England responds to ADHD Taskforce final report."
- World Health Organization. eEML record: methylphenidate for ADHD (applications not accepted in 2019, 2021 and 2025).
- European Medicines Agency (2009). "European Medicines Agency makes recommendations for safer use of Ritalin and other methylphenidate-containing medicines in the EU."
- The Conversation (November 2023). "A Senate inquiry says Australia needs a national ADHD framework to improve diagnosis and reduce costs."
- ADHD Australia. "ADHD Australia welcomes Senate inquiry's report."
- "ADHD in Georgia." adhd.ge, an independent volunteer site. Includes the Ministry of Health's reply of February 2023. Last updated 9 July 2026.
- Radio Tavisupleba (2023). "'The medicine is banned': how you live in Georgia when you have ADHD" (in Georgian). RFE/RL.