Kuwait approves sweeping 2025 anti-drug law with tough penalties and digital oversight
Under the law, doctors are prohibited from dispensing psychotropic substances without an approved medical justification. Violations carry a prison sentence of up to three years.
- Patients traveling from abroad must have prescriptions approved by Kuwaiti authorities, with electronic approvals also recognized.
- Travelers carrying narcotics must present prescriptions upon entry to ensure quantities match legal authorization.
- Pharmacies face fines of up to 100,000 dinars and the possibility of closure for up to five years if they fail to comply with regulations.
The Cabinet has approved a comprehensive draft decree-law for 2025 on combating drugs and psychotropic substances, unifying previous legislation into a single updated legal framework. The new law aims to tighten control over psychotropic substances, strengthen enforcement, and introduce advanced digital monitoring mechanisms.
Under the law, doctors are prohibited from dispensing psychotropic substances without an approved medical justification. Violations carry a prison sentence of up to three years. Pharmacies face fines of up to 100,000 dinars and the possibility of closure for up to five years if they fail to comply with regulations, reports Al-Jarida daily.
Patients traveling from abroad must have prescriptions approved by Kuwaiti authorities, with electronic approvals also recognized. Travelers carrying narcotics must present prescriptions upon entry to ensure quantities match legal authorization.
The draft law introduces several innovative provisions not included in previous legislation. A Supreme Council for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances will be established to oversee efforts. Specific groups, including prospective spouses, applicants for driver’s licenses, weapons, and public jobs, may be subjected to mandatory drug testing. Government employees may face periodic random tests for the first time.
Police powers have been strengthened, allowing immediate arrests of suspected drug users without prior permission. Social deterrence measures were also introduced, criminalizing knowingly sitting with drug users or inciting others to use drugs, punishable by up to three years in prison. Those who plant drugs on another person or force drug use without consent may face up to 15 years imprisonment, with execution possible if the victim is convicted of a drug offense.
The law emphasizes digital transformation in drug control, requiring doctors and health institutions to report electronically on the dispensing of narcotics. Central databases will enable real-time monitoring and periodic review, enhancing transparency and enforcement.
Penalties for drug-related crimes have been significantly increased. Traffickers may face the death penalty and fines up to two million dinars for major cases.
The death penalty also applies to smuggling drugs inside prisons, rehabilitation centers, places of worship, sports clubs, or by public officials abusing their positions. Distributors offering free samples to entice multiple people may also face capital punishment. Refusing mandatory drug tests without valid justification can lead to up to two years imprisonment.
Despite strict measures against traffickers, the law provides a humane approach for users. Confidentiality of addicts’ data is guaranteed, and disclosure of patient information carries imprisonment up to two years and fines up to 10,000 dinars.
Individuals seeking treatment voluntarily will not face criminal charges, while compulsory treatment can be mandated for up to six months based on official reports.
The law ensures a clear distinction between enforcement against dealers and protection for those seeking rehabilitation, promoting a balanced approach to tackling drug abuse.
It strengthens legal deterrence while supporting public health and safety through treatment-focused measures.
Authorities emphasize that the unified law modernizes the country’s approach to narcotic and psychotropic substances, combining tough penalties, preventive measures, and innovative digital controls to protect society and combat abuse effectively.
This sweeping legislation reflects Kuwait’s commitment to maintaining public health and safety while fostering a structured, transparent, and humane approach to drug-related challenges.
