The Kuwait Lawyers Association has commended the newly proposed amendments to the Anti-Narcotics Law, the details of which were published by Al-Qabas in its issue released last Sunday. The Association emphasized that the move toward stricter penalties for drug traffickers is a step in the right direction, reflecting a serious legislative will to tighten the noose on those who promote this dangerous scourge. This approach seeks to enhance oversight and penalties across all stages of handling this form of organized crime.

In a statement to Al-Qabas, the Association’s Secretary-General, Mr. Khaled Al-Suwaifan, revealed that the Association is preparing to submit a set of technical and legislative proposals and observations on the new draft law. These will be presented in coordination with the specialized legal committee reviewing the legislation, to ensure the effectiveness of the legal provisions and strike the necessary balance between general deterrence and the guarantees of a fair trial. The proposals also aim to strengthen the state's ability to combat this transnational crime effectively.

Early Detection Measures

Mr. Al-Suwaifan noted that the Association's proposed recommendations include suggestions regarding the early detection of drug and psychoactive substance use. These recommendations adopt a preventive approach aimed at protecting family stability and ensuring the sustainability of marital relationships. He stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced approach that respects personal privacy and avoids unintended consequences, such as increased reluctance to marry or hindering opportunities for recovery and social reintegration.

Al-Suwaifan further emphasized that the legal treatment of drug use should be grounded in the principles of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation — rather than relying solely on punishment. He advocated for the enactment of a comprehensive therapeutic law that begins with the provision of specialized treatment infrastructure and is complemented by effective rehabilitation and reintegration programs. These measures would ensure that individuals in recovery can return to society as safe and productive members.

 

Publication of Judicial Court Rulings

Al-Suwaifan also stressed that the publication of judicial rulings represents one of the fundamental pillars in promoting legal awareness — particularly final judgments, which reinforce legal principles and contribute to raising public legal literacy. He emphasized that any judgment should only be published after it becomes final and must be presented in its entirety, including both the operative part and the reasoning, without distortion or omission, in compliance with the law governing the legal profession and its code of ethics.

At the same time, Al-Suwaifan cautioned that publishing acquittal rulings in drug trafficking cases does not fall under legal creativity, nor does it add value to legal discourse. Instead, it may be misused to distort public perception or create inaccurate impressions about the justice system or the measures taken against drug dealers. Therefore, such actions do not align with the legal innovation the Association aspires to promote.

In conclusion, Al-Suwaifan reiterated the Association’s ongoing commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at combating drug abuse and trafficking, and to standing alongside state institutions in confronting this organized crime — in fulfillment of the Association’s national, legal, and societal responsibilities.

Key Proposals by the Kuwait Lawyers Association

1. Establishing a therapeutic and rehabilitation system to reintegrate drug users into society.
2. Enhancing early detection of drug use as part of preventive procedures.
3. Implementing safeguards to avoid negative consequences, such as increased reluctance to marry.

Dr. Al-Khateeb: Drug Crimes a Gateway to the Collapse of Moral Values

Attorney Dr. Fawaz Khaled Al-Khateeb, Managing Partner of Taher Group commented on the upcoming amendments to the Anti-Narcotics Law, the details of which were published by Al-Qabas, affirming that “these amendments represent a serious and widely welcomed step toward protecting society from the scourge of drugs and reinforcing legal deterrence to curb their spread”

In an exclusive statement to Al-Qabas, Dr. Al-Khateeb stated: “It is essential that the amendments include mandatory drug testing prior to marriage, as a preventive measure to protect families from potential collapse, particularly given the strong link between addiction and family breakdown, divorce, and domestic crimes.”

He added: “The unfortunate reality today is that drug-related crimes are no longer as shocking as they once were. They have become commonplace in courtrooms, even though they often serve as a gateway to the erosion of moral values and the commission of more complex crimes.”

Dr. Al-Khateeb pointed out that the draft law addresses critical legal gaps that have long awaited reform, particularly in areas such as maintaining the confidentiality of addicts’ personal data, mandating treatment under supervision, and criminalizing the negligent dispensing of psychoactive substances. He noted that these provisions create a balance between legal firmness and therapeutic compassion.

Mulla Youssef:  30% of Divorce Cases are attributed to Drugs.

Attorney Mustafa Mulla Youssef praised the new Anti-Narcotics draft law and its prescribed penalties, stressing the importance of incorporating a provision for mandatory drug testing prior to marriage.

Speaking to Al-Qabas, Mulla Youssef stated that “drugs are among the primary causes of homicide, divorce, and other crimes, and they account for a significant percentage of such cases — possibly reaching up to 30%.”

He emphasized that the new draft law is essential for achieving deterrence and includes stringent penalties aimed at protecting society.

Mulla Youssef also noted that the punishment for accompanying a drug user already exists under current law. However, the new aspect lies in increasing the severity of this punishment. He clarified that this provision only applies when the person is knowingly accompanying someone who is actively using drugs in their presence - and does not apply to those unaware of the individual’s drug use.

 

Source: Alqabas