The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has disclosed it would not file criminal cases against those addicted to Narcotic Drugs and Dangerous Psychotropic Substances (NDDPS) who turn themselves in for treatment.
According to an MoI official from the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement during an awareness webinar for members of the expatriate communities titled “Drugs and Prevention Methods,” this policy was adopted to encourage people to quit the damaging drugs.
The event was organised by the Public Relations Department in collaboration with the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement of the Ministry of Interior.
“The Qatari legislator has a humanitarian approach on caring for addicted patients, treating them from this epidemic, and reassuring them,” said the official.
“To encourage them to seek and continue treatment, Article (38) of the Law on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances stipulated: ‘No criminal case shall be filed against a person, taking Narcotic Drugs and Dangerous Psychotropic Substances (NDDPS), who presents himself for the treatment’,” said First Lieutenant Abdullah Qassim Media and Awareness officer from the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement.
On the risk of hiding drug use and addiction crime, he explained that “an imprisonment sentence for a term of not more than one year and not less than six months with a fine of not more than QR10,000 and not less than QR5,000 for anyone apprehended in any location set up or prepared for the consumption of Narcotic Drugs and Dangerous Psychotropic Substances where such substances are taken with his knowledge.”
According to reports, over 500,000 drug users are estimated in the Middle East and North Africa, especially in large population areas. Qatar has provided a specialised centre for addiction treatment and rehabilitation (Naufar Centre) in line with the best international standards in this field.
Qassim said those who suffer from parental neglect or excessive cuddling, people who have an addict in their family, those who accompany bad friends, and those frustrated with work or studies are most vulnerable to addiction.
Qassim also warned travellers, especially those on medications, to ensure they don’t travel with drugs containing narcotics or psychotropic substances, except following the controls and conditions issued by the related authorities.
