The Legislative and Legal Committee and the Health and Social Committee of the Shura Council held a joint meeting on Wednesday morning with specialists from the Ministry of Health and the Royal Oman Police. The meeting comes as part of the Shura Council’s commitment to conducting a thorough and comprehensive review of the Draft Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, by seeking the views and observations of relevant competent authorities.
The meeting witnessed extensive discussions covering various aspects of the draft law. A number of inquiries and observations were raised regarding several provisions and articles contained therein, particularly those related to prescribed penalties, as well as issues concerning the soundness and rigor of legal drafting. The discussions emphasized the importance of ensuring clarity, precision, and effectiveness of the legal texts in addressing the risks posed by psychotropic substances and their impact on the family and society. In this context, specialists from the Ministry of Health and the Royal Oman Police presented their perspectives and inputs on the legislative and executive philosophy of the draft law, as well as proposed measures aimed at enhancing the efficiency of prevention and enforcement efforts.
The Draft Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances consists of sixty-seven articles distributed across nine chapters. It aims to strengthen the national legislative framework for combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in line with rapid developments and emerging challenges in this field. The draft law also focuses on updating definitions and concepts related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to ensure the comprehensiveness of legal provisions and their ability to address new patterns of smuggling, abuse, and trafficking.
Furthermore, the draft law seeks to support national efforts to curb the spread of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, tighten control over their circulation and trade, and criminalize activities associated with these substances through clear and stringent provisions that achieve both general and specific deterrence. In addition, the proposed law aims to enhance awareness and prevention programs, protect groups most vulnerable to substance abuse, and develop and strengthen treatment and rehabilitation procedures. This approach contributes to addressing the drug issue as a comprehensive societal responsibility that requires an integrated balance between preventive, deterrent, and therapeutic dimensions.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Health and Social Committee, the Chairman of the Legislative and Legal Committee, and Members of both Committees.