Minister of Justice: Drug trafficking crimes down 33%, drug use down 20% following implementation of new law
Justice Minister and Legal Advisor Nasser Al-Sumait confirmed on Wednesday that crimes related to drug and psychotropic substance trafficking have decreased by 33 percent, and usage crimes by 20 percent, eight months after the implementation of the new law combating drugs. This statement was made by Minister Al-Sumait during a press conference at the closing ceremony of the comprehensive national media awareness campaign for drug addiction prevention, titled “A Nation That Protects You,” organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs at the Four Seasons Hotel, under the patronage and attendance of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Sabah, with the participation of various government, civil society, and private entities.
Al-Sumait stated that these results are promising and unprecedented indicators since the establishment of the General Directorate for Combating Drugs 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 enacted stringent legislation to protect society and combat this scourge by imposing harsher penalties on drug and psychotropic substance trafficking crimes, while also striving to balance the protection of addicts and working towards their treatment.
He praised the efforts of the Ministry of Interior in combating drugs and the Ministry of Health in treating addiction cases, while commending 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.
Al-Sumait called on parents to monitor their sons and daughters and to take the initiative to report when any signs of usage or suspicion of addiction appear. He emphasized that the state has provided the necessary facilities to treat such cases with complete confidentiality and in a manner that ensures legal protection in accordance with the provisions of the new law.
He affirmed that the government, under the direct guidance of the Prime Minister’s Highness, continues to follow 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-Sumait 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 system, and supporting the economy and social laws.
Regarding the “Kuwaitization” of the judiciary, the Justice Minister clarified that the second round of examinations for applicants for the position of Public Prosecutor will be held on September 12 next year. He added that the application window will open for the third time on November 1 next year for the 2025-2026 graduates, confirming that this procedure will continue annually until the completion of Kuwaitization in this important sector.
