KUWAIT, Nov 30 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah affirmed that the issuance of Law No. (159/2025) on combating narcotics and psychotropic substances marks a new stage in Kuwait's strict legislative approach to safeguarding society.
In a statement on Sunday, he stressed that the Ministry of Interior remains unwavering in its war against drugs with zero tolerance for any threat to community security.
He said the new law toughens penalties to confront all forms of drug and psychotropic substance crimes, establishing a strong deterrent framework through sentences that may reach capital punishment or life imprisonment, and fines up to KD 2 million (approx. USD 6.6 million) for offenses related to importing, manufacturing, trafficking, distribution, and cultivation.
He explained that the legislation imposes harsher penalties for promotion, sale, purchase, mediation, exploitation of minors, drug-related crimes committed in treatment and rehabilitation centers, educational and sports facilities, and prisons.
It also criminalizes coercing others into drug use, forming or running criminal gangs, concealing or harboring drugs, and abusing public office to facilitate such crimes.
The Minister noted that recent years witnessed major drug seizures and foiled smuggling attempts, adding that it also targets misuse of medical prescriptions and illegal dispensing or use of narcotics.
He added that the law includes humanitarian provisions by opening legal avenues for voluntary treatment or reporting by relatives, while ensuring full confidentiality of data and strict penalties for disclosure or misuse of information.
The General Department of Public Relations and Security Media will launch a comprehensive awareness campaign under the slogan "Protect the Homeland," aimed at educating the public on the law, penalties, and treatment options through various media outlets.
The Minister of Interior remarked that the law will enter into force 14 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, allowing the public to review its provisions and enabling competent authorities to complete implementation procedures.
He concluded by stressing that the Ministry of Interior will show no leniency toward any act targeting the security of the nation or society, calling for strengthened community cooperation as a shared responsibility in confronting this challenge. (end) ahk.aai