10/12/2025
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10/12/2025
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KUWAIT CITY, Dec 10: Colonel Hisham Al-Ibrahim, Director of the Local Control Department at the Drug Control General Department (DCGD), stated that the penalties under the new drug law are structured hierarchically, ranging from treatment to administrative deterrence, criminalization, and the most severe punishments. He highlighted the clear distinction between users and dealers, with users receiving treatment while dealers face harsher penalties. Colonel Al-Ibrahim explained that the new law closes previous loopholes, particularly regarding crystal meth, synthetic cannabinoids, and online drug trafficking. It also targets organized crime, ensuring that seizures extend beyond the shipment to include the individuals and the entire gang.
Special attention is being given to protecting vulnerable groups through measures addressing the exploitation of minors and the sick, in addition to an unprecedented crackdown reflecting the state’s shift from moderate to deterrent penalties. Regarding the classification of drug schedules, Colonel Al-Ibrahim explained that narcotics are categorized based on their origin. Chemically manufactured substances are included among psychoactive substances, while naturally derived substances, such as hashish, opium, and heroin, are classified as narcotics.
Psychoactive substances were previously rare, but their use has increased significantly over the past 40 years, particularly because they are produced from toxic chemicals that cause severe addiction, brain cell damage, and contribute to violent crimes. These substances are linked to many crimes committed by perpetrators exhibiting extreme violence. Regarding the local anti-narcotics department, Colonel Al-Ibrahim clarified that the department is responsible for controlling and securing investigation procedures in drug cases, referring defendants to the Public Prosecution, and executing prosecution orders related to detention and imprisonment. In response to a question about the legality of minors being involved in drug use or trafficking, he stated that the new law applies to adults, while minors fall under the juvenile law.
