KUWAIT CITY, Jan 17: Participants in a seminar organized by the Kuwait Association Against Violence highlighted that the positive reception of the new anti-drug law marks a major shift in addressing this sensitive social issue. The symposium, titled “Positive Developments Following the Enactment of the New Drug Law,” was held at the headquarters of the Kuwait Lawyers Society (KLS) two days ago.

The participants affirmed that the law reflects the integration of official and civil efforts to protect individuals, families, and society through an approach that balances legal deterrence with treatment and rehabilitation, while strengthening prevention and community awareness as two main pillars in combating drug abuse. In this context, Head of the Kuwait Association Against Violence Ali Al-Ali described the new law as pivotal legislation with a direct impact on young men and women, who are central to nation-building. He praised the extensive involvement of government agencies in drafting the law, emphasizing that the law is the result of high-level institutional cooperation. Al-Ali explained that the association was among the first to propose drug testing at several important stages, such as premarital screening, driver’s license applications, and job appointments. Individuals found using drugs would be referred to mandatory treatment programs rather than facing immediate punitive measures.

By Mohammad Al-Enezi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff