Interior Minister: New Drugs Law Strengthens Deterrence and Becomes a Source of Fear for Drug Traffickers
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Saud Al-Sabah, affirmed that the new Drugs Law has contributed to strengthening deterrence, becoming a source of fear for drug traffickers and making them think twice before attempting to harm any citizen or resident on Kuwaiti soil. Sheikh Fahad Al-Youssef told (KUNA) on Wednesday, following the conclusion of the comprehensive national media awareness campaign for drug abuse prevention, “A Nation Protects You,” that the quantity seized in the largest drug bust in the country’s history—announced today—was ready for marketing, but the suspect refrained from distributing it out of fear of falling under the new law. He added that full details of the seizure would be announced at 9 p.m. today, noting that these achievements came by the grace of God Almighty, followed by the efforts of the government and the issuance of the new law, which strengthened the system for combating drugs and deterring traffickers.
He emphasized that the achievements made by Ministry of Interior personnel in confronting drug abuse are due to the absolute support and close follow-up of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and support him. He stressed that His Highness’s continuous support and constant encouragement serve as a motivation for ministry staff to double their efforts and fulfill their duty in protecting the nation and safeguarding its security and stability.
He noted that the next phase will witness increased cooperation and joint efforts to combat drugs, affirming that the success of the “A Nation Protects You” campaign resulted from the combined efforts of various state entities. Sheikh Fahad Al-Youssef expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Social Affairs, headed by Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, for sponsoring the campaign from its launch to its conclusion, and for its contributions in collaboration with the Ministries of Interior, Health, and Justice to support the families of users and help them treat their children.
He affirmed that the State of Kuwait, through its various governmental institutions and the private sector, is working with a team spirit to eradicate drug abuse, noting that specialized sites are being established and equipped to treat and rehabilitate addicts. He clarified that addiction cases are treated with complete confidentiality, without disclosing the names of those seeking treatment or registering cases against them, and called on families to cooperate with relevant authorities and not hesitate to seek assistance to protect their children. He added that addiction is a disease, like any other, and has a treatment that requires the integrated roles of the Ministries of Interior, Justice, and Health. He pointed out that inmates in correctional facilities who are users are also subjected to treatment and rehabilitation programs within prisons.
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior stated that “those who prove their recovery from this scourge may be covered by a gracious Amir’s pardon before the end of their prison sentence, provided they demonstrate their recovery.” Regarding international coordination to combat drugs, Sheikh Fahad Al-Youssef noted that Kuwait enjoys significant cooperation with several countries in this field, given that drug abuse is a transboundary issue affecting various nations.
