Following are the crimes with severe penalties:

The minister pointed out that the country in recent years witnessed the seizure of large quantities of narcotics and psychotropic substances, and the thwarting of numerous smuggling attempts, adding that his ministry also targets the misuse of medical prescriptions and illegal dispensing or use of narcotics. He stressed that the new law enhances the security forces’ ability to enforce deterrence and tighten the noose on criminal networks. He added that the legislation toughened the penalties for misusing, issuing or dispensing narcotics or psychotropic substances for personal use, as well as drug use within prisons, police stations, rehabilitation and addiction treatment centres, educational institutions, and places of worship. He said the law includes an important humanitarian stipulation that provides legal avenues for treatment through voluntary self-treatment or addiction reports filed by relatives up to the third degree, while guaranteeing the complete confidentiality of the data.

He confirmed the application of penalties to anyone who discloses information about whistleblowers and to anyone who files a malicious report. He revealed that the General Department of Public Relations and Security Media will launch a comprehensive media awareness campaign under the slogan, “We Protect Our Nation”, to inform the public about the provisions of the law, penalties and legal opportunities for redress. The campaign will be implemented through traditional media outlets, such as television and radio, the ministry’s official channels, as well as cinema advertisements, exhibitions and electronic screens displayed along public roads. He clarified that the law will take effect 14 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, stressing that this period allows the public to fully review the provisions of the law and enables the relevant authorities to complete the necessary regulatory procedures for its implementation. He affirmed that his ministry will not be lenient or tolerant of any crime targeting the nation or harming the security of society. He also underscored the importance of strengthening community cooperation to confront this scourge, as it is a collective responsibility. In a related development, sources from the security sector confirmed that the new law will eliminate drug dealers and traffickers through the strict and deterrent penalties.

Sources revealed that the ministry, under the leadership of Director of the Drug Control General Department (DCGD) Brigadier General Mohammad Qabazard, and his assistant, Brigadier General Sheikh Hamad Al- Yousef Al-Sabah, has had remarkable successes over the past eight months. These successes include the seizure of huge quantities of the most dangerous types of drugs, with a market value estimated at hundreds of millions of Kuwaiti dinars. These seizures included large quantities of hashish, methamphetamine (crystal meth), Captagon and cocaine, in addition to millions of tranquillisers and psychotropic substances believed to be for distribution to young people. Sources stressed that Kuwait decided to be a strong shield for its future generations, its children and its society from the dangers of drugs.

They cited official statistics released by DCGD covering the period from Aug 1-26, 2025, stating that the department seized 959 kilograms of hashish, 391 kilograms of methamphetamine, 30 kilograms of heroin, 142 kilograms of marijuana, 216 kilograms of synthetic cannabinoids and 6,888,421 narcotic pills. It also handled 1,980 drug-related cases, 1,359 drug use cases, 131 drug smuggling cases and 396 drug trafficking cases, in addition to receiving 380 drug-related complaints -- 324 from males and 56 from females. Sources pointed out that all segments of the Kuwaiti society welcomed and agreed on the stipulation of harsher penalties in the fight against drug dealers who are considered a destructive threat to families.

They asserted that the new law protects society from drugs -- a major concern for some families and a looming danger for them and their children. Sources disclosed that the majority of the heinous crimes, which occurred recently in Kuwait, are the result of drug use, hence, it poses a real threat to society. Sources believe the deterrent penalties, which can reach the death penalty, will eradicate this scourge. On social media after the issuance of the new law, many posted statements agreeing that it is strict and aims to cleanse the country of drug users and dealers. They clarified that the severity of the penalties is necessary, especially since drugs have destroyed and torn apart families, and all the strict penalties against drug dealers are justified.

Moreover, sources stated that two outstanding figures – Qabazard and Sheikh Hamad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah – have never rested, working day and night to protect society from drugs. “Their security teams operate under their wise guidance, demonstrating utmost efficiency and dedication in combating drugs by all means and methods. These outstanding figures have opted to lead the work in the field, confronting drug dealers and facing all dangers alongside their distinguished security teams. They are determined in their fight against drug dealers and traffickers, always present on the front lines of major security operations,” sources added.