Kuwait intensified its crackdown on drug traffickers

KUWAIT CITY, July 21: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior's intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking have resulted in a significant rise in the number of cases reaching the courts. The ministry's crackdown has led to a monthly death sentence for drug dealers, with 2023 witnessing a dramatic increase in drug-related court cases.

According to data from the General Court, obtained by Al-Qabas, the Supreme Court issued death sentences to 12 drug and psychotropic substance dealers throughout 2023. These individuals were apprehended by the Ministry of Interior in separate operations. Among those sentenced, three were caught cultivating drugs in residential gardens and manufacturing poisons, while nine were convicted for importing drugs in coordination with international criminal networks.

In addition to the death sentences, 59 drug traffickers were sentenced to life imprisonment. The total number of drug-related court rulings for the year reached 6,911. This figure includes 6,034 convictions, 877 acquittals, and 1,893 cases pending. Approximately 88% of these cases resulted in convictions, a figure attributed to the effectiveness of enhanced control and inspection measures.

The judicial statistics reveal the following breakdown of life sentences:

• Drug Cultivation: 8 defendants
• Drug Possession and Trafficking: 32 defendants
• Drug Possession for Consumption: 12 defendants
• Possession of Psychotropic Substances: 4 defendants
• Drug Use and Trafficking: 3 defendants

Furthermore, 5 defendants received prison terms of 20 years or more, 124 were sentenced to 15 years or more, and 54 received terms of 10 to 15 years. The majority of prison sentences were between 3 and 5 years, with 570 defendants in this category. Additionally, 364 defendants received sentences ranging from 1 to 3 years.

A total of 1,371 defendants were fined in addition to their prison sentences. Only 16 defendants were acquitted without imprisonment, and one was sentenced to a reformatory.

A source informed Al-Qabas that the Ministry of Interior is implementing a comprehensive plan to tighten control over drug dealers and users. This includes developing advanced detection technologies for land and sea ports to enhance evidence collection against drug traffickers.

Key Statistics for 2023:

• 6,911 rulings in drug-related cases
• 59 life imprisonment sentences
• 12 death sentences for drug traffickers
• 1,371 fines imposed
• 16 cases with no imprisonment

The high conviction rate reflects the effectiveness of strict enforcement and inspection procedures. A legal source noted that the development of these mechanisms has addressed many legal loopholes that previously allowed drug traffickers to evade conviction.

The Public Prosecution's statistics indicate that the intensified crackdown is crucial for safeguarding the youth from drug abuse. The increased vigilance within Kuwait and at its borders underscores the commitment to protecting the community from the adverse effects of drugs.