KUWAIT CITY, Sept 16: The Public Prosecution has released its digital report on drug and psychotropic substance cases for 2023, highlighting the statistics surrounding drug-related crimes, offender profiles, confiscated substances, and judicial outcomes. In a statement issued on Monday, the Public Prosecution emphasized that the purpose of the report is to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and to promote transparency by sharing relevant data. This, they believe, will aid in implementing necessary measures to combat the root causes of drug-related crimes.

According to the report, 2,666 cases were recorded in 2023. Of these, drug and psychotropic substance abuse crimes made up 77.2% of the total cases handled by the Drug and Alcohol Prosecution, while drug trafficking accounted for 22.5%. A total of 3,554 individuals were prosecuted, with Kuwaiti citizens making up 56% of the accused.

The age group most likely to be involved in these crimes was 18 to 39 years, representing 81.4% of all offenders. Tragically, 42 deaths were reported due to drug abuse in 2023, 81% of which involved Kuwaiti nationals. The report also detailed the quantities and types of drugs seized during the year. Authorities confiscated 25,668,685 tablets and 3,568,811 kilograms of various prohibited substances, with an estimated market value of 74,059,219 Kuwaiti dinars. The Public Prosecution concluded 95.3% of these cases, with 82% referred to criminal trial and 18% dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction. The conviction rate for cases taken to court was 90% in 2023.

By Jaber Al-Hamud, Munif Nayef
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies