KUWAIT CITY, Nov 7: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah reaffirmed on Friday the Ministry of Interior’s determination to continue its relentless fight against the scourge of illicit drugs, stressing that the Ministry draws its strength from the support and directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Speaking to Al-Akhbar TV during a visit to the awareness campaign “We Protect You Against Drugs,” held at The Avenues Mall and co-organized by the Ministries of Interior and Health in collaboration with Kuwait University, Sheikh Fahad said the campaign reflects the government’s firm commitment to protecting society from narcotics.

He noted that the Council of Ministers, during its weekly meeting, approved a draft decree-law on combating drugs and psychotropic substances, which aims to regulate their use and trafficking while imposing stricter penalties on dealers and users. The draft law will be submitted to His Highness the Amir for final endorsement.

The minister emphasized that the unwavering support of His Highness the Amir has enabled the Ministry to achieve major successes in curbing drug trafficking, with nearly 90 percent of the narcotics entering the country seized and destroyed. He added that the new law will serve as a strong deterrent to traffickers and users alike, helping correct past leniencies and reinforce the rule of law.

Sheikh Fahad also directed the General Department of Public Relations and Security Media at the Ministry of Interior to coordinate with the Ministry of Information in launching a nationwide awareness campaign. The program will include broadcast promos ahead of news bulletins to familiarize the public with the new law’s provisions before its enforcement.

Highlighting regional cooperation, Sheikh Fahad underscored that illicit drug production and trafficking continue to target the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which remain united in exchanging information and coordinating efforts to combat this transnational threat.

The minister expressed appreciation for the role of the Kuwaiti Bar Association and participants in the “We Protect You Against Drugs” campaign, calling on the association to assist the Ministry in interpreting the articles of the new law. He stressed that awareness initiatives play a vital role in safeguarding society from the dangers of narcotics and strengthening national resilience against this persistent menace.