KUWAIT CITY, Dec 14: Decree-Law No. 159/2025 on combating narcotic and psychotropic substances, which comes into effect on Monday, December 15, marks a major turning point in national legislation and reinforces the state’s comprehensive war against drug traffickers and its efforts to save victims. The new law, comprising 84 articles, reflects the state’s balanced approach, combining strict deterrence of criminal networks and the elimination of their funding sources through maximum penalties. It also emphasizes the humanitarian aspect by providing confidential and safe treatment for victims of addiction.

The law consolidates previous legislation on narcotics and psychotropic substances, unifying concepts, terminology, and legal provisions related to crimes, penalties, and procedures, thereby facilitating implementation and enhancing effectiveness. It imposes harsher penalties for crimes involving the importation, smuggling, manufacturing, and cultivation of drugs, including the death penalty or life imprisonment in the most serious cases, along with substantial fines, while providing special protection for vulnerable groups.

It balances humanitarian and legal considerations, stipulating that no criminal charges will be brought against addicts who voluntarily seek treatment, while ensuring the confidentiality of their information and protecting informants and those undergoing treatment. Article 3 of the decree law establishes two distinct treatment structures - rehabilitation centers and addiction treatment centers.

Article 4 authorizes the Ministry of Interior to establish correctional and rehabilitation centers for individuals serving prison sentences for possession of drugs for personal use. In these facilities, convicts are required to undergo medical treatment, rehabilitation, training, and family or social reintegration programs. It also sets strict conditions for prescribing and dispensing narcotic substances, as detailed in Articles 20, 22,and 24. This reflects legislative rigor in regulating medical and professional practices, preventing the leakage or misuse of these substances, and curbing the exploitation of prescriptions.

Article 44 classifies the use of a minor, a mentally ill person, or someone under a perpetrator’s care or supervision in committing a crime as an aggravating circumstance, warranting the death penalty in trafficking and distribution cases.

The humanitarian and rights-based aspects of the law are reflected in Article 61, which stipulates that no criminal case shall be filed against an addict who voluntarily surrenders to an addiction center for treatment and rehabilitation, provided this occurs before any complaint or request for prosecution is made. The law places paramount importance on protecting the confidentiality and personal safety of all individuals involved, whether whistleblowers or patients, boosting trust and encouraging people to seek help without fear of stigma or exposure.

Article 56 stipulates that anyone who unlawfully discloses information related to reports and treatment of addicts, details of individuals admitted to rehabilitation or addiction treatment centers, or test results specified in Article 66, shall face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to KD 10,000, or one of the prescribed penalties. The law also encourages reporting for treatment purposes.

Article 62 allows a spouse or a relative up to the third degree to report an addict for treatment, while ensuring full confidentiality for the reporter. The reported individual will be admitted to a rehabilitation center for a specified period and may be released early upon recovery.

Articles 63 and 64 balance punitive deterrence with rehabilitative treatment by granting the Public Prosecution and the courts the authority to order admission into a rehabilitation center instead of filing criminal charges or imposing a sentence on individuals who commit offenses related to the consumption, possession, import, smuggling, purchase, production, or manufacturing of narcotics for personal use. The law provides for the establishment of the Supreme Council for Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances. It is responsible for developing a comprehensive national strategy, planning awareness, prevention, and treatment plans, and aligning national efforts with relevant international treaties, ensuring effective and integrated implementation.

Following the issuance of Decree- Law No. 159/2025, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, affirmed that recent years have seen the seizure of large quantities of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as the prevention of many smuggling attempts. He affirmed that the law marks a new phase of legislative rigor in Kuwait, and enhances the security apparatus’s ability to enforce deterrence and tighten the noose on criminal networks under the strongest punitive framework the country has seen. In this regard, the National Human Rights Bureau described the law as a qualitative legislative milestone that strengthens societal protection, safeguards fundamental rights, and responds effectively to relevant international requirements.

In preparation for the law’s implementation, the Ministry of Interior launched an awareness campaign titled “Safeguarding Our Homeland” to familiarize the public with its provisions. The campaign was complemented by intensive media and awareness efforts from various relevant entities. The ministry inaugurated the first field exhibition under the campaign at The Avenues Mall, in collaboration with the Kuwait Lawyers Society and the Ministry of Health, to raise awareness about the law. The exhibition included informational and interactive displays highlighting significant updates to the law and its deterrent penalties, along with educational videos and brochures. Earlier in December, the Public Prosecution launched a proactive media awareness campaign across its official platforms, emphasizing that the next phase will involve decisive and precise enforcement of the law’s provisions from the moment it takes effect.

It is worth highlighting that the Cabinet approved the draft decree-law on combating narcotics and psychotropic substances and regulating their use and trade during its meeting on October 28, which reflected its firm commitment to protecting society and individuals and ensuring Kuwait’s stance in line with international best practices in combating drugs. As part of ongoing national efforts to protect society from drugs, the General Administration of Customs (GAC) reaffirmed its commitment to its pivotal role as the first line of defense for the nation through strict monitoring of all land, sea, and air entry points, and efforts to intercept attempts to smuggle narcotics and psychotropic substances into the country, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

In a press statement, GAC explained that these efforts are carried out under the direct support and guidance of the acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, who prioritizes combating drugs as a top security objective. GAC personnel operate within an integrated system that combines riskbased targeting, thorough inspections, and the latest technological tools, while maintaining continuous coordination with relevant security agencies to prevent smuggling before narcotics reach Kuwait. The Public Relations Department of GAC participated in the “Safeguarding Our Homeland” awareness exhibition, which was held under the patronage of Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, with the involvement of customs inspectors and the presence of Saleh Al-Omar, Deputy Director General for Ports, Search, and Customs Investigation Affairs. This participation was in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, the Kuwaiti Lawyers Society, and other entities, reflecting a collective effort to raise public awareness about the dangers of drugs and all kinds of contraband. GAC affirmed that recent successes in seizing narcotics reflect the vigilance of its personnel and the effectiveness of the procedures in place, as well as underscore the magnitude of the national responsibility entrusted to them in protecting society. In conclusion, it affirmed its ongoing commitment to fulfilling its national duty with full dedication, in close coordination with state institutions, and with the continued support of the security leadership.

By Munif Naif Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies