Minister of Justice: Drug trafficking crimes down 33%, drug use down 20% after implementation of new law - Sarmad
(KUNA) – Justice Minister and Advisor Nasser Al-Sameet confirmed on Wednesday that drug trafficking and psychoactive substance trafficking crimes have decreased by 33 percent, and consumption crimes have dropped by 20 percent, eight months after the implementation of the new anti-drug law.
This statement came during a press conference held by Minister Al-Sameet at the closing ceremony of the comprehensive national media awareness campaign for drug abuse prevention, 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 entities.
Al-Sameet stated that these results represent encouraging and unprecedented indicators since the establishment of the General Directorate for Combating Narcotics 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 psychoactive substance trafficking crimes, while also striving to balance the protection of addicts and their treatment.
He praised the efforts of the Ministry of Interior in combating drugs and the Ministry of Health in treating addiction cases, 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-Sameet called on parents to monitor their sons and daughters and to take the initiative in reporting 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 accordance with legal protections under the provisions of the new law.
He affirmed that the government, under the direct guidance of the Prime Minister’s Highness, continues to monitor periodic statistics related to drug and psychoactive 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 currently enforced laws. He noted that 270 laws have been reviewed so far, as part of a plan designed to facilitate procedures for individuals and institutions, reconsider the criminal justice system, support the economy, and review social laws.
Regarding the “Kuwaitization” of the judiciary sector, the Justice Minister clarified that the second batch of applicants for the position of Public Prosecutor will take their exams on September 12 next year. 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.
