Justice Minister: Drug trafficking crimes down 33%, usage down 20% after new law implementation
Nasser Al-Samaitt confirmed the decline in drug crimes and usage, commending government efforts, while outlining the national plan to develop the legislative system and codify the judiciary.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Kuwait City, August 26 (KUNA) -- Justice Minister and Legal Advisor Nasser Al-Sameet confirmed today, Wednesday, a 33 percent decline in drug and psychotropic substance trafficking crimes and a 20 percent drop in consumption offenses, eight months after the implementation of the new anti-drug law.
This statement came during a press briefing by Minister Al-Sameet at the closing ceremony of the comprehensive national media awareness campaign to prevent the scourge of drug abuse, titled "A Nation That Protects You," organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs at the Four Seasons Hotel. The event was held under the patronage and presence of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Saud Al-Sabah, with participation from various government, civil society, and private sector entities.
Al-Sameet stated that these results represent promising and unprecedented indicators since the establishment of the General Directorate for Combating Drug Trafficking in 2006. He noted that the campaign was the result of joint efforts by relevant government agencies, civil society institutions, and the private sector.
He added that the state has issued stringent legislation to protect society and combat this scourge by imposing harsher penalties for drug and psychotropic substance trafficking crimes, while also ensuring a balance between protecting addicts and working toward their treatment.
Al-Sameet praised the efforts of the Ministry of Interior in combating drug trafficking and the Ministry of Health in treating addiction cases. He also commended the role of the Ministry of Social Affairs in launching the awareness campaign, as well as the efforts of the Ministry of Information, newspapers, and news institutions in supporting awareness messages.
He called on parents to monitor their sons and daughters and to take the initiative to report any signs of consumption or suspected addiction cases. He emphasized that the state has provided the necessary resources to treat such cases with complete confidentiality and in a manner that ensures legal protection in accordance with the provisions of the new law.
Al-Sameet affirmed that the government, under the direct guidance of the Prime Minister, continuously monitors periodic statistics related to drug and psychotropic substance crimes, with the aim of further reducing them and eradicating this scourge.
In a separate matter, Al-Sameet stated that the National Plan for Developing the Legislative System aims to review 40 percent of the currently enforced laws. He noted that 270 laws have been reviewed so far, as part of a plan aimed at facilitating procedures for individuals and institutions, rethinking the criminal justice system, supporting the economy, and updating social laws.
Regarding the "Kuwaitization" of the judicial corps, the Justice Minister clarified that the second round of examinations for applicants for the position of Public Prosecutor will be held on September 12. The third round of admissions will open on November 1 for the 2025-2026 graduates. He confirmed that this procedure will continue annually until the Kuwaitization of this important sector is completed.
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