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Wednesday, April 23, 2025
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Kuwait tackles drug epidemic with multi-ministry initiative

publish time

23/04/2025

publish time

23/04/2025

Kuwait tackles drug epidemic with multi-ministry initiative
Narcotics seized by Kuwaiti authorities in a recent drug bust.

KUWAIT CITY, April 23: In response to the escalating drug crisis among its youth, the Kuwaiti government is intensifying its efforts to combat drug abuse through a coordinated strategy involving multiple ministries. This initiative aligns with proposed amendments to the Anti-Narcotics Law, developed by a special committee to address procedural gaps in existing legislation.​

Comprehensive Ministry Roles

The government is mobilizing key ministries—including Information, Education, Islamic Affairs, and Health—to implement a comprehensive approach targeting the proliferation of drugs and psychotropic substances among young people. The strategy encompasses media campaigns, preventive measures, awareness programs, and rehabilitation services.​

Ministry of Information: Tasked with launching a strategic media campaign, the ministry plans to produce and disseminate impactful videos highlighting the dangers of drug use and the importance of prevention.​

Ministry of Education: Focusing on prevention, the ministry will monitor student behavior closely and conduct regular drug testing to identify and address issues early.​

Ministry of Islamic Affairs: Imams will be encouraged to dedicate portions of their Friday sermons to discussing the negative effects of drugs, aiming to influence societal attitudes through religious guidance.​

Ministry of Health: Enhancing its role in treatment and rehabilitation, the ministry is expanding addiction treatment facilities and strengthening support services for affected individuals.​

Ministry of Interior: Assuming a pivotal role in enforcement, the ministry will focus on gathering intelligence, apprehending drug traffickers, and dismantling networks contributing to the drug trade.​

Integrated approach and periodic reporting

Each ministry is expected to submit periodic reports detailing the causes of drug proliferation, its detrimental effects, and proposed solutions to mitigate this issue. This multi-faceted approach underscores Kuwait's commitment to addressing the drug epidemic through a unified and strategic effort, involving both preventive and corrective measures across various sectors.​

The government's coordinated strategy aims to curb the spread of drug abuse among the youth and safeguard the nation's future by fostering a collaborative and comprehensive approach to combating this pressing issue.​