Laws against drug misuse and illegal drug marketing in Qatar

On the occasion of the ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illegal Drug Trade’ observed on 26 June annually, the primary aim is to enhance awareness about the global drug issue, fostering international collaboration to mitigate its impacts on health, governance, and security.

This year’s theme, “Better Knowledge for Better Care,” prompts discussions about drug-related matters in Qatar. It sheds light on the country’s regulations against drug trafficking and provides guidance on seeking help for individuals grappling with substance misuse involving illegal drugs.

Punishment for drug marketing in Qatar
Laws against drug marketing in Qatar
Who is communicating for drug related issues in Qatar
- - Where to go for substance misuse issues in Qatar

Punishment for drug marketing in Qatar

In Qatar, severe penalties are enforced for the possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. Offenders can face lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines ranging from QR 200,000 to QR 500,000, and potential deportation, with drug dealing even carrying the risk of the death penalty.

Qatari authorities strictly enforce these laws without exceptions, meaning that even expatriates caught engaging in drug-related activities will not receive special treatment. Consular intervention is typically not permitted in cases involving Qatar’s stringent drug regulations.

At Hamad International Airport, like at any other airport worldwide, luggage undergoes routine inspection upon passengers’ arrival in Qatar. If authorities suspect any irregularities, thorough examinations will be conducted to ensure compliance with the country’s regulations.

Laws against drug marketing in Qatar

In Article 1 of Law No. 9 concerning the Control and Regulation of Narcotic Drugs and Dangerous Psychotropic Substances, Qatar explicitly prohibits various activities related to narcotics and psychotropic substances, including import, export, production, manufacturing, cultivation, possession, acquisition, trafficking, buying, selling, transportation, delivery, and receipt of these substances or plants.

Under Article 34, individuals involved in the import or export of drugs or psychotropic substances for the purpose of trafficking face severe consequences, such as the death penalty or life imprisonment, coupled with fines ranging from QR 300,000 to QR 500,000.

Article 35 outlines the penalties for individuals engaged in the purchase or sale of drugs for commercial purposes. Offenders could be sentenced to imprisonment for a period ranging from 10 to 20 years, in addition to fines varying between QR 200,000 and QR 400,000. These strict measures underscore Qatar’s staunch stance against drug-related activities and emphasize the gravity of such offenses in the country.

If you have any drug related issues in Qatar, you can contact the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at +974 234 7000.

Where to go for substance misuse issues in Qatar

If you require assistance for substance misuse, Naufar, operating under the Ministry of Public Health in Doha, is a prominent institution dedicated to the treatment of substance use disorders and associated social issues.

Naufar provides comprehensive care delivered by experts in mental health, physical health, occupational health, and addiction within a purpose-built facility featuring 127 private rooms, over 50 individual and group treatment rooms, and various amenities.

By employing medically supervised multidisciplinary teams that examine the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction and assess patients’ familial relationships, work dynamics, and co-occurring conditions like chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and trauma, Naufar offers holistic care. Its services encompass residential and outpatient programs, assessment services, personalized treatment plans, and community initiatives. If you or someone you know is in need of support for substance misuse, Naufar stands as a valuable resource for seeking help and beginning the journey towards recovery.

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