The Health and Social Committee of the Shura Council, in participation with the Legal Committee, began on Monday morning discussions on the draft Law on Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, referred by the government. The discussions come within the framework of the committee’s legislative role in studying draft laws related to the protection of society and the strengthening of the health and social prevention and care system.

H.E. Mansour Zahir Al Hajri welcomed representatives of the Positive Vision Association and the Oman Medical Association, commending their pivotal role and continued efforts in supporting the national system for combating drugs and psychotropic substances. He emphasized the importance of continued joint work to examine the draft law in depth and to benefit from specialized technical opinions, with a view to reaching a comprehensive legislative formulation that enhances community protection and supports national efforts in this field.
During the meeting, specialists from the two associations were engaged in discussions on the articles and provisions of the draft law, with the aim of seeking their views and benefiting from their direct practical experience related to drugs and psychotropic substances in the Sultanate of Oman. This contributed to enriching the committee’s deliberations on the provisions of the draft law. The meeting included extensive discussions on a number of articles addressing the combating of drugs and psychotropic substances, given the close and continuous engagement of civil society organizations working in this field with the core issues involved, and the resulting need to develop legislation in line with emerging developments and changes.
The draft law comes in response to the notable evolution in the types and patterns of drug use, as well as the diversification and multiplication of smuggling methods and techniques. This reality necessitates modern legislative tools and new approaches commensurate with the scale of current challenges, in addition to the emergence of new types of narcotic and psychotropic substances. Accordingly, the draft law seeks to replace the current law issued in 1999 and amended by Royal Decree No. 24/2023, in order to ensure a more effective alignment with contemporary realities and developments.
The draft law comprises nine chapters and 67 articles, and aims to strengthen the national legislative framework for combating drugs and psychotropic substances by updating relevant definitions and concepts to ensure comprehensive legal texts capable of addressing emerging issues. It also focuses on supporting national efforts to curb the spread of drugs and psychotropic substances, tightening control over their circulation and trafficking, and criminalizing related activities under clear provisions that ensure both general and specific deterrence.
The objectives of issuing a modern law in this field also include enhancing the efficiency of the prevention and control system through more precise regulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and chemical precursors; strengthening coordination mechanisms among relevant authorities to ensure rapid response and integrated roles; and keeping pace with technological advancements and new methods used in smuggling and promotion. The draft law further aims to support awareness and prevention programs, protect groups most vulnerable to risk, and enhance treatment and rehabilitation measures, contributing to addressing the issue as a societal responsibility that requires a balanced approach between preventive, deterrent, and therapeutic aspects.


The meeting chaired by H.E. Mansour Zahir Al Hajri, head of the Health Committee, and attended by H.E. Dr. Ahmed Said Al Saadi, Head of the Legal Committee, along with Their Excellencies members of both committees.