Kuwait city: An Amiri decree-law, No. 59 of 2025, has been issued to combat drugs and psychotropic substances in Kuwait, establishing a comprehensive legal framework that regulates their use and trafficking. The decree-law, which consists of 84 articles spread across 13 chapters, is set to be enforced two weeks after its publication in the Official Gazette.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the decree-law aims to merge previous legislation, specifically Law No. 74 of 1983 on drug control and Law No. 48 of 1987 on psychotropic substances, into a unified law. This merger is intended to enhance legal clarity, administrative efficiency, and societal protection from the misuse of narcotics and psychotropic substances.
The decree-law outlines the responsibilities of the competent minister in issuing decisions necessary for its enforcement, while also repealing any conflicting provisions from previous laws. It obliges all ministers to implement the decree-law within their respective jurisdictions, aiming to create a unified legal framework to protect society.
Chapters within the decree-law cover a range of topics, including the establishment of the Supreme Council for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, which is tasked with creating a national strategy for combating trafficking and illicit use. The Ministry of Health is mandated to establish rehabilitation and addiction treatment centers, with separate facilities for individuals under twenty-one years old.
Further chapters regulate licenses for import, export, and other activities involving narcotic and psychotropic substances, with stringent conditions outlined for legal compliance. Penalties for violations include severe measures such as the death penalty or life imprisonment, reflecting the law's strict stance against unauthorized handling of controlled substances.
The decree-law underscores Kuwait's commitment to international conventions on narcotics and psychotropic substances, promoting prevention, treatment, and societal stability. It also includes provisions for specialized courts, public prosecution oversight, and jurisdictional clarity to ensure fair and consistent prosecution.
By integrating preventive education, public awareness, and treatment programs with enforcement and administrative oversight, the decree-law seeks to create a cohesive strategy for combating drug abuse and psychotropic substance misuse across Kuwaiti society. The legislation mandates periodic reviews and ministerial reporting to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with evolving challenges.
The decree-law reflects Kuwait's dedication to safeguarding public health and social stability, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among legislative authorities, law enforcement, health institutions, and social services to achieve its objectives.