The efforts of KSA in antinarcotics and punishing criminals

Researchers agree that during the first three decades of its establishment, KSA was free of drugs.[1]

By the social change which accompanied the increase of oil wealth, the advent of foreign labors, the travels of citizens outside for commerce, tourism, or education, and the notable increase in the numbers of pilgrims, this problem increased and exacerbated in a way threatens the stability of society[2] based on holding firm with the rope of Allah and cooperation on goodness and piety.[3]

Therefore, article fifty five of the Saudi constitution[4] stated: "The King carries out the policy of the nation, a legitimate policy in accordance with the provisions of Islam; the King oversees the implementation of the Islamic Shari'ah, the system of government, the state's general policies; and the protection and defense of the country."

The kingdom always has been on the top in the field of international and Arab cooperation as well as internal regulation which protects the country from the dangers of drug abuse, planting, and dealing in them which we shall explain in two matters:

The first issue is the Kingdom strategy in the field of antinarcotics.

The second issue is shedding light on the system of antinarcotics and things that affect the mind along with its implementing regulations.

The kingdom's strategy in the field of antinarcotics[5]

First, in the international field:

KSA is considered a partner in international agreements and protocols to fight drugs. It joined New York Agreement for narcotics that was established in 1961 which was put into effect in 1964. It also joined Vienna Agreement of mental effects that was held in 1971 and was put into effect in 16/8/1976. Also, the Kingdom participated in preparing the Protocol of Geneva 1972 which introduced essential modifications to the only agreement of narcotic drugs (New York 1961) which entered into force on 8/8/1975. The Kingdom had a prominent role in signing the United Nations Convention (in Vienna 1988) which laid down disciplines to drug smuggling and decreed effective penalties on the perpetrators of these crimes. The Kingdom has a prominent presence in the action program adopted by the General Assembly of United Nations in 1991 and in the meetings of drugs department in the United Nations.

Second, in both Arab and gulf field:

KSA plays an effective role in the efforts which the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council play in the field of antinarcotics. It participated in the declaration of the Unified Agreement for Judicial Cooperation of Arabs which the Council of Arab Ministers of Justice adopted in Riyadh in 1983. KSA also participated in the declaration of the Unified Model Arab Law for drugs which was adopted by the resolution of the Council of Arab Ministers of the Interior in Casablanca in 1986, and benefited therefrom in forming the system of antinarcotics and things that affect the mind. Also, KSA participated in declaring and applying the Arab strategy for illegal usage of drugs and things that affect the mind which the Council of Arab Ministers of the Interior adopted in Tunisia in 1986. KSA had undertaken the mission of establishing the Arab Security Studies and Training Centre which was located in Riyadh and was opened in 1978 based on the resolution of the Council of Arab Ministers of the Interior which was held in Baghdad in 1978. The center plays an effective role under the administration of the Kingdom and publishes important scientific researches in the field of antinarcotics. Also, it holds training sessions for officers, providing them with the latest updates in this field. Likewise, it offers security studies for people in charge about antinarcotics, granting them specialized diplomas. The center has a huge attached library which it always develops and adds references and periodicals to it, and hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions that attract the interest of the concerned.

Based on the recommendations of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Kingdom established three hospitals in Riyadh, Ad-Dammam, and Jeddah for the rehabilitation of the addict after treating them of addiction.

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[1] Sayful-Islam Al Su`ud, drug abuse, P. 75.

[2] `Abdur-Rahman Musayqir, youth and drugs, the previous reference. p. 14 and the next pages.

[3] Article (1) of the Saudi Constitution.

[4] Issued by the royal order No. A/90 dated 27/8/1412 AH.

[5] Sayful-Islam Al Su`ud, the previous reference, `Abdur-Rahman Al Bahuth, the drugs crime in KSA, (unpublished) PHD the Islamic University of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud, Riyadh: 1987. `Abdur-Rahman Musayqir, the previous reference. `Abdal-`Aziz Al `Aliyan, a pervious reference. Ali Madullah, the previous reference. Muhammad Fathy, critical years in the history of drugs, a pervious reference.