H.H. the Amir backs relentless anti-drug crackdown to protect Kuwait’s youth
Combating drugs requires collective responsibility involving families, educational institutions, government agencies, and the private sector, with strong support from companies including Kuwait Finance House and Zain Telecommunications -- Kuwaiti officials
Kuwait has launched a comprehensive national anti-drug awareness campaign under the slogan “A Homeland That Protects You,” bringing together government institutions, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to strengthen efforts against drug abuse and trafficking.
The campaign, organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs at The Avenues Mall to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, was attended by senior officials including First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, and Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah.
Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef described His Highness the Amir as the strongest supporter of anti-drug efforts and revealed major security achievements, stating that no drug pills had entered Kuwait by land for nearly six months, while no drug shipment had entered by sea for more than a year due to advanced security systems and intensified monitoring.
He said drug imports into Kuwait had fallen by at least 80 percent following the implementation of the new anti-drug law, while prices of illegal drugs had surged between 200 and 300 percent, reflecting tighter enforcement and reduced supply.
Al-Yousef stressed that the government would enforce the law firmly, including accelerating the implementation of death sentences against convicted drug traffickers, while emphasizing that executions would remain non-public.
The Interior Minister also highlighted evolving smuggling methods, revealing that authorities recently intercepted drugs dissolved into A4 paper sheets, underscoring continued vigilance by customs and security personnel, Al-Rai daily reports.
Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait described the revised drug law as a “qualitative law” that closed legal loopholes, particularly concerning psychotropic substances, whose penalties now reach the death sentence instead of the previous maximum of 15 years imprisonment.
Al-Sumait noted that drug trafficking crimes had dropped by 44 percent within just three months of implementing the new legislation, while preparations are underway to establish Kuwait’s largest addiction treatment center under the Ministry of Health.
Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah said the month-long campaign aims to raise awareness among youth and families through training programs, educational activities, and direct engagement with recovering addicts to encourage early treatment and prevention.
Officials stressed that combating drugs requires collective responsibility involving families, educational institutions, government agencies, and the private sector, with strong support from companies including Kuwait Finance House and Zain Telecommunications.
