ACCEPT NO BAG FROM OTHERS, KUWAIT WARNS TRAVELERS

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 4: The Public Prosecution published a series of awareness messages on its X account as part of a campaign launched by the Attorney General to educate citizens and expats about the provisions of Decree Law No. 159/2025 on combating narcotics and psychotropic substances, and regulating their use and trafficking.

Beware Before You Travel! The Public Prosecution emphasized the importance of travelers arriving in Kuwait to verify the medications they carry. Some medications that are permitted in other countries may be considered prohibited in Kuwait without a prescription under the new law.

The Public Prosecution urged the public to ensure the legality of possessing and using certain medications, noting that some anxiety or sleeping pills may contain prohibited substances, and possessing them without a valid prescription is a punishable offense.

Beware of Accepting Other People’s Bags
The Public Prosecution warned against accepting bags or belongings from others while traveling or upon arrival in Kuwait, even if done out of courtesy, due to the possibility that they may contain narcotics or psychotropic substances prohibited by law. The law considers possession of a bag containing illegal substances as strong evidence that the carrier is aware of its contents, placing the burden of proof on the individual to prove otherwise. Travelers are urged to exercise caution to avoid violating the law.

The Companion of a Drug User
The Public Prosecution warned of the dangers of being present in places where drug use occurs, stressing that the law criminalizes being present in such locations with knowledge and intent to participate in or facilitate drug use.

Reporting Addiction: A Door to Hope, Not a Path to Punishment
The law affirms that spouses, relatives up to the third degree, employers, and health centers affiliated to the Ministry of Health have the right to report addiction cases for treatment and protection, not punishment.

It emphasizes that reporting addiction is a moral and national responsibility that helps save lives and protect families from collapse. The law also guarantees the confidentiality of the reporting process and the protection of the person making the report. In addition, individuals who voluntarily seek treatment are exempt from punishment, provided they do so before being apprehended by the competent authorities.
The Road to Recovery
Referral to addiction treatment centers for drug users is a precautionary measure aimed at protecting both the individual and society, and is not considered a form of punishment. This measure ensures that drug users receive proper treatment and recover safely and effectively. Addiction treatment centers provide comprehensive programs that include medical, psychological, and behavioral care, offering the most supportive environment for users throughout all stages of recovery. The Public Prosecution stressed that failing to seek or benefit from treatment at specialized centers may lead to serious health and psychological risks, as well as the continuation of dangerous behaviors that threaten the safety of the drug user and those around them.

The Public Prosecution also emphasized that if a drug user fails to recover or refuses to comply with treatment programs, legal measures, including imprisonment, may be enforced in accordance with the law. It urged relevant authorities and the public to support addiction treatment efforts and cooperate to create a safe environment that facilitates the rehabilitation of drug users and their reintegration into society.

The Public Prosecution highlighted that the new law prioritizes saving individuals from a path of destruction rather than punishment, stating, “The door to treatment is open, and every addict who seeks help and repentance before facing legal consequences has the opportunity to do so. As for the companions of drug users, they must be aware of the consequences of their actions.

Remaining silent in the face of a crime is considered complicity, and those who knowingly stay in dangerous situations risk endangering themselves. The law does not exempt anyone aware of wrongdoing and chooses to remain silent.” The Public Prosecution reiterated that travelers entering Kuwait must verify the legality of any medications or substances they carry, as some items permitted in other countries are illegal in Kuwait, adding, “Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.”