Kuwait’s new drug laws offer rehabilitation to addicts, punish dealers

KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait (MNTV) — Kuwait has introduced a revised drug law that separates drug traffickers from users, imposing stricter penalties on dealers while providing treatment and rehabilitation options for those caught using narcotics. 

The law is part of a broader effort to combat drug-related crime while addressing public health concerns, according to Arab Times Online. 

According to authorities, the law establishes a tiered system of penalties: organized traffickers and repeat offenders face severe legal consequences, including imprisonment, while users are directed toward medical and psychological support programs. 

The legislation is designed to close previous loopholes in controlling synthetic drugs, such as crystal meth and synthetic cannabinoids, and to regulate the increasing prevalence of online drug sales.

Colonel Hisham Al‑Ibrahim, Director of the Local Control Department at the Drug Control General Department, noted that the new rules aim to target organized criminal networks involved in the production, trafficking, and distribution of narcotics. 

Authorities will carry out seizures not only of illegal substances but also of assets and infrastructure tied to these operations.

The law also differentiates between naturally derived narcotics, such as hashish, opium, and heroin, and chemically manufactured psychoactive substances, which have been linked to higher rates of addiction and violent incidents. 

Special provisions focus on protecting vulnerable populations, including minors and those with health conditions. Minors involved in drug use or trafficking are dealt with under juvenile law, ensuring age-appropriate interventions.

Officials emphasized that the revised legislation strengthens enforcement while prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment for users, reflecting Kuwait’s approach to addressing drug abuse as a public health issue as well as a criminal matter. 

The Drug Control General Department oversees investigations, prosecutions, and the implementation of court orders under the new legal framework.

Authorities say the changes aim to reduce the social and criminal impact of narcotics while maintaining strict control over trafficking networks, balancing law enforcement with support for those struggling with addiction.