New Anti-Drug Law's Approach to Addicts
The Anti-Drug and Psychotropic Substances Law in Oman, issued by Royal Decree No. 67/2026, has become more flexible in dealing with addicts, providing an opportunity for treatment instead of punishment, and emphasizing the reintegration of addicts into society. The law categorizes cases into three: an addict who has been caught and can be referred for treatment; an addict who voluntarily seeks treatment or does so through their family; and an addict who faces prosecution and legal penalties. The law prohibits re-admitting an addict into a treatment facility more than twice within five years. A newly established committee under the Ministry of Health oversees those admitted. The detention period ranges from six months to one year, with release upon recovery validated by a court ruling, and with periodic monitoring for two years after release. The law stipulates that anyone caught using controlled substances faces imprisonment from one to three years and a fine of up to 5,000 Omani riyals, with possible alternative measures including mandated treatment, rehabilitation programs, or supervision measures such as residence in designated areas or electronic monitoring. The aim is to curb the addiction phenomenon and to effectively reintegrate patients into society.
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