Latest news with #Anti-NarcoticsLaw
Saudi Gazette
29-06-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Public Prosecution: Reporting drug crimes would exempt perpetrator from punishment
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Public Prosecution stated that exemption from penalties for drug and psychotropic substance crimes is possible for those perpetrators, who take the initiative to report the cases. In a statement on its official account on the X platform, the Public Prosecution explained that Article 3 of the Anti-Narcotics Law stipulates that there are two circumstances under which the perpetrator is exempt from punishment. First, if the perpetrator takes the initiative to report the crime before the competent authorities become aware of it. Secondly, if the report, which is presented by the perpetrator after the authorities become aware of it, contributed to the arrest of other perpetrators. This awareness message comes within the framework of the Public Prosecution's efforts to enhance legal awareness. It called on individuals to extend cooperation in protecting society from the dangers of drugs.
Observer
24-06-2025
- Observer
Drugs one of dangerous challenges facing modern societies
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is joining nations worldwide in observing the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, held this year under the theme 'Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All.' The occasion aims to intensify awareness campaigns about the dangers of narcotics and psychotropic substances, emphasise addicts' right to rehabilitation, strengthen community cooperation and enhance international collaboration in combating drug abuse. It also serves as an opportunity for nations to review anti-drug policies, assess challenges and develop appropriate solutions. Colonel Said bin Salim al Maawali, Assistant Director-General of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control at the Royal Oman Police (ROP), stated that drugs and psychotropic substances represent one of the most dangerous challenges facing modern societies due to their devastating consequences. He noted that the drug trade is a major funding source for transnational criminal organisations. Global indicators show over 275 million drug addicts worldwide, with the World Health Organization estimating more than 500,000 annual deaths linked to drug abuse — necessitating unified policies, shared expertise, and heightened cultural and educational awareness. Colonel Al Maawali emphasised that international cooperation is vital in combating drug smuggling and trafficking, as criminal networks employ sophisticated cross-border methods. Information exchange, joint policing operations, harmonised legislation and expertise sharing are crucial to dismantling these networks. The ROP's General Directorate for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control has adopted an integrated approach — supported by police, security, military and civil entities — to counter drug trafficking. Efforts have successfully uncovered international syndicates smuggling narcotics through land, sea and air borders, as well as via social media platforms used to lure youth into drug use. He explained that the departments concerned in Oman provide rehabilitation opportunities for addicts under Article 51 of the Anti-Narcotics Law, which exempts self-referred or family-reported addicts from prosecution. Post-treatment reintegration programmes ensure confidentiality under Article 52, with penalties for breaches. Colonel Al Maawali said that crystal meth poses a significant global threat due to its low cost, ease of production and severe health impacts, including fatal outcomes. Traffickers exploit victims — particularly youth — through financial incentives, blackmail, fake friendships, emotional manipulation, and even virtual reality platforms and celebrity endorsements promoting false cultural narratives about drug use. The Directorate prioritises prevention through social media campaigns, conferences and seminars. Innovative tools like virtual reality (VR) and smart applications are being introduced to enhance public education and counselling services, he pointed out. Colonel Al Maawali stressed families' role in monitoring children and urged community cooperation with security forces to report drug-related activities, encourage treatment-seeking and foster a drug-free society for national stability. - ONA
Arab Times
23-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait tackles drug epidemic with multi-ministry initiative
KUWAIT CITY, April 23: In response to the escalating drug crisis among its youth, the Kuwaiti government is intensifying its efforts to combat drug abuse through a coordinated strategy involving multiple ministries. This initiative aligns with proposed amendments to the Anti-Narcotics Law, developed by a special committee to address procedural gaps in existing legislation. Comprehensive Ministry Roles The government is mobilizing key ministries—including Information, Education, Islamic Affairs, and Health—to implement a comprehensive approach targeting the proliferation of drugs and psychotropic substances among young people. The strategy encompasses media campaigns, preventive measures, awareness programs, and rehabilitation services. Ministry of Information: Tasked with launching a strategic media campaign, the ministry plans to produce and disseminate impactful videos highlighting the dangers of drug use and the importance of prevention. Ministry of Education: Focusing on prevention, the ministry will monitor student behavior closely and conduct regular drug testing to identify and address issues early. Ministry of Islamic Affairs: Imams will be encouraged to dedicate portions of their Friday sermons to discussing the negative effects of drugs, aiming to influence societal attitudes through religious guidance. Ministry of Health: Enhancing its role in treatment and rehabilitation, the ministry is expanding addiction treatment facilities and strengthening support services for affected individuals. Ministry of Interior: Assuming a pivotal role in enforcement, the ministry will focus on gathering intelligence, apprehending drug traffickers, and dismantling networks contributing to the drug trade. Integrated approach and periodic reporting Each ministry is expected to submit periodic reports detailing the causes of drug proliferation, its detrimental effects, and proposed solutions to mitigate this issue. This multi-faceted approach underscores Kuwait's commitment to addressing the drug epidemic through a unified and strategic effort, involving both preventive and corrective measures across various sectors. The government's coordinated strategy aims to curb the spread of drug abuse among the youth and safeguard the nation's future by fostering a collaborative and comprehensive approach to combating this pressing issue.
Arab Times
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Drug Offenders Face Death in Kuwait's New Crackdown
KUWAIT CITY, April 21: The committee tasked to address procedural loopholes in the Anti-Narcotics Law has submitted its report; which includes a draft law containing amendments aimed at rectifying deficiencies, curbing the spread of drugs, and increasing penalties for related crimes. Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah formed the committee with Advisor Mohammad Rashid Al-Duaij as chairman. The following are the important amendments in the draft law: * Trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances is punishable by death penalty and a fine of up to KD2 million, increased from the previous maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment. * The death penalty applies to individuals who trade in drugs within a prison, as well as those who facilitate or contribute to the introduction of these substances into a prison. * The death penalty extends to any employee who exploits his professional position to engage in the trafficking of narcotics or psychotropic substances. * Distribution of narcotics or psychotropic substances to two or more individuals, without compensation, for the purpose of consumption or promotion, warrants the death penalty. * Soliciting a service or benefitwhether lawful or unlawful — in exchange for delivering narcotics or psychotropic substances to another for consumption, or promising to do so, is punishable by death. * Drug and psychotropic substance testing is now mandated for prospective spouses, driving license applicants and public job candidates. * Random drug and psychotropic substance testing will be conducted for all military personnel, regardless of rank, in the ministries of Interior and Defense, National Guard and Kuwait Fire Force (KFF). * Random testing for drugs and psychotropic substances will be carried out on all students in schools, institutes and universities. * Refusal to undergo testing without a valid reason, excluding marriage applicants and students, is punishable by up to four years imprisonment. * Penalties for drug use within prisons, schools and health clubs have been increased. * Penalties for individuals who commit violent crimes or cause harm while under the infl uence of drugs or psychotropic substances have been increased. * Police officers are authorized to make immediate arrests upon suspicion of drug use. * Association with drug users, even without personal use, is punishable by three years imprisonment. * Incitement of others to use drugs warrants a three-year prison sentence. * Physicians who dispense psychotropic substances without legitimate medical justification are subject to three years imprisonment. * Pharmacies that fail to secure psychotropic substances will be fined up to KD100,000. The court may order the closure of a violating pharmacy for up to five years. * Confidential reporting of drug users is available through modern electronic channels, with the potential for involuntary placement in a rehabilitation center for up to six months. * Criminal proceedings will not be initiated against individuals who voluntarily seek treatment for addiction. * The Minister of Health retains the authority to suspend any physician who violates regulations concerning the handling of narcotics or psychotropic substances. * Financial rewards will be given to those who report information regarding drug users. * Wearing apparel or carrying publications that promote the use of narcotics or psychotropic substances will result in a fine. * All judgments rendered in drugrelated cases are subject to immediate execution. * Coercing another individual or providing another with narcotics or psychotropic substances without their consent warrants a 15-year prison sentence, with the possibility of the death penalty if the victim is convicted.
Rudaw Net
31-03-2025
- Rudaw Net
Baghdad captures major drug dealer amid ongoing anti-narcotics efforts
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq's National Security Service (NSS) on Sunday announced the arrest of one the most notorious drug dealers in Baghdad. According to a statement from the NSS, relayed by the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), the arrest was made after thorough intelligence monitoring. 'The operation also resulted in the seizure of 1,350 LSD patches [tabs], more than 12 kilograms of marijuana, 800 grams of cocaine, in addition to 1,850 narcotic pills and drug paraphernalia,' it added. Of note, LSD patches are a form of transdermal delivery system sometimes used to administer drugs through the skin. The suspect was apprehended 'red-handed' and 'sentenced to death' by a Baghdad criminal court in accordance with Article 27 of Iraq's Anti-Narcotics Law. This article prescribes severe penalties, including the death penalty or life imprisonment, for individuals involved in the trafficking, production, or cultivation of narcotic or psychotropic substances. This latest bust is part of Iraq's ongoing counter-narcotics efforts. Since the start of 2025, Baghdad authorities have seized nearly 2.86 tons of illicit substances. Iraq in mid-March announced the seizure of some 1.1 tons of Captagon flowing in from Syria, with the help of the Kurdistan Region and Saudi Arabia. In early March, Iraq's narcotics control directorate reported that Baghdad had seized some 1.75 tons of illicit substances since the beginning of 2025 and made 2,000 arrests in the process. In December, a total of 6 tons and 183 kilograms of illicit drugs were seized in 2024, with 14,483 suspects arrested. Among those, 144 individuals were sentenced to death for international drug smuggling, while 454 local dealers were given life sentences, each lasting 20 years. Speaking to Rudaw in late February, the head of Iraq's Security Media Cell, Major General Saad Maan, described drug trafficking as "the most widespread crime" in Iraq, highlighting that Erbil and Baghdad are working jointly and with regional neighbours to address the issue. Maan also noted that drugs are mostly imported into Iraq, though there have been "failed attempts" to produce Crystal Meth and Captagon locally, which are among the most commonly abused substances in the country.
