carrying benadryl an arrest risk

My wife was held for an hour and advised she could be arrested for drug trafficking when eight benadryl tablets were discovered in her travel medicine kit without a prescription. She was let off with a warning and of course the benadryl were confiscated, but it was a very unsettling experience.

Benadryl is a controlled substance in Zambia. Don't bring it-and have prescriptions to show for all of your drugs. Also you are expected to carry your passport or a certified copy of your passport with Zambian visa at all times. The certified copy can only be obtained from the immigration office where you get your visa.

Hi,
Amazing how many scams you come across in Africa!

This is no scam Benadryl is specifically mentioned on the US advice site,
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1062.html#entry_requirements
US citizens have actually been arrested and deported before now, Fostercane may have got away with it as they had only a small amount with them. There is quite a comprehensive list of forbidden drugs, thus it is imperative that all personal medication is covered by a copy of your prescription, and drugs are in their original containers with personal labels attached.
http://www.deczambia.gov.zm/docs/Cap%2096%20of%20the%20Laws%20of%20Zambia.pdf
Ivan

FosterKane-

Did you have any other medications on you when your wife was held? I'm so sorry to hear that by the way. I want to bring in my prescription Lorazepam, but I'm terrified that I'll have the same experience.

Do they have the same issue with Claritin?

Thanks.