KUWAIT CITY, April 21: The committee tasked to address procedural loopholes in the Anti-Narcotics Law has submitted its report; which includes a draft law containing amendments aimed at rectifying deficiencies, curbing the spread of drugs, and increasing penalties for related crimes. Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah formed the committee with Advisor Mohammad Rashid Al-Duaij as chairman.

The following are the important amendments in the draft law:
* Trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances is punishable by death penalty and a fine of up to KD2 million, increased from the previous maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment.
* The death penalty applies to individuals who trade in drugs within a prison, as well as those who facilitate or contribute to the introduction of these substances into a prison.

* The death penalty extends to any employee who exploits his professional position to engage in the trafficking of narcotics or psychotropic substances.
* Distribution of narcotics or psychotropic substances to two or more individuals, without compensation, for the purpose of consumption or promotion, warrants the death penalty.
* Soliciting a service or benefitwhether lawful or unlawful — in exchange for delivering narcotics or psychotropic substances to another for consumption, or promising to do so, is punishable by death.
* Drug and psychotropic substance testing is now mandated for prospective spouses, driving license applicants and public job candidates.
* Random drug and psychotropic substance testing will be conducted for all military personnel, regardless of rank, in the ministries of Interior and Defense, National Guard and Kuwait Fire Force (KFF).
* Random testing for drugs and psychotropic substances will be carried out on all students in schools, institutes and universities.
* Refusal to undergo testing without a valid reason, excluding marriage applicants and students, is punishable by up to four years imprisonment.
* Penalties for drug use within prisons, schools and health clubs have been increased.
* Penalties for individuals who commit violent crimes or cause harm while under the infl uence of drugs or psychotropic substances have been increased.
* Police officers are authorized to make immediate arrests upon suspicion of drug use.
* Association with drug users, even without personal use, is punishable by three years imprisonment.
* Incitement of others to use drugs warrants a three-year prison sentence.
* Physicians who dispense psychotropic substances without legitimate medical justification are subject to three years imprisonment.
* Pharmacies that fail to secure psychotropic substances will be fined up to KD100,000. The court may order the closure of a violating pharmacy for up to five years.
* Confidential reporting of drug users is available through modern electronic channels, with the potential for involuntary placement in a rehabilitation center for up to six months.
* Criminal proceedings will not be initiated against individuals who voluntarily seek treatment for addiction.
* The Minister of Health retains the authority to suspend any physician who violates regulations concerning the handling of narcotics or psychotropic substances.
* Financial rewards will be given to those who report information regarding drug users.
* Wearing apparel or carrying publications that promote the use of narcotics or psychotropic substances will result in a fine.
* All judgments rendered in drugrelated cases are subject to immediate execution.
* Coercing another individual or providing another with narcotics or psychotropic substances without their consent warrants a 15-year prison sentence, with the possibility of the death penalty if the victim is convicted.

By Jaber Al-Humoud
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff