Kuwait takes bold steps to erase drug crimes with tougher laws

• Inciting drug use is punishable by three years in prison, while coercing or secretly administering drugs carries up to 15 years—or the death penalty if it leads to a conviction against the victim.

A committee formed by Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, led by Counselor Mohammed Rashid Al-Duaij, has submitted a report with proposed amendments to the anti-drug law. The draft aims to address procedural loopholes, combat the drug phenomenon, curb its spread, and increase penalties for drug-related offenses, reported Arabic daily Al Rai.

The most prominent amendments included in the project are:

The death penalty for trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, along with a fine of up to two million dinars, replacing the previous penalty of up to seven years in prison.

The death penalty for anyone trafficking within prisons, with the same penalty imposed on anyone facilitating or contributing to bringing drugs into the prison.

The amendments include the death penalty for any employee exploiting their position to traffic drugs or psychotropic substances, as well as for anyone distributing narcotic or psychotropic substances to two or more people without compensation for consumption or promotion.

The death penalty for anyone requesting a service or benefit in exchange for delivering narcotic or psychotropic substances to another person for use, or based on a promise to do so and a drug and psychotropic substance screening test for those about to get married, driving license applicants, and public job applicants.

Random testing of all military personnel in the Interior Ministry, Defense Ministry, National Guard, and Fire Force for drug and psychotropic substance abuse.

Random testing of all school, institute, and university students to detect drug and psychotropic substance abusers and imprisonment of up to four years for anyone who refuses to undergo the examination without justification, excluding marriage applicants and students.

Tighter penalties for drug use in prisons, schools, or health clubs. A stricter penalty for any person who commits a crime of violence or harm while under the influence of drugs or psychotropic substances.

Police are granted the right to make immediate arrests in cases of suspected drug use. Imprisonment of three years for anyone who sits with drug users, even without using drugs themselves.

Three years imprisonment for anyone who incites others to use drugs and 15 years imprisonment for anyone who coerces another person or gives them narcotic or psychotropic substances without their knowledge, with the death penalty if a conviction is issued against the victim.

Three years imprisonment for any doctor who prescribes psychotropic substances without medical justification and pharmacies will be fined up to 100,000 dinars for neglecting to store psychotropic substances.

A financial reward will be given to those who report or provide information about drug users, while a fine will be imposed on anyone wearing clothing or carrying publications that promote the use of drugs or psychotropic substances.