Methamphetamine Crimes Now Classified as Major Offenses in the Kingdom

In a decisive move to combat drug abuse, Saudi Arabia has officially classified all methamphetamine-related offenses as major crimes requiring detention, reinforcing the Kingdom’s strict stance on narcotics.

Saudi Arabia’s Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Mujib issued Decision No. 110 on 1 Ramadan 1446 AH, amending previous regulations to include methamphetamine—also known as Shabu—under the category of major crimes. The ruling mandates that individuals involved in possession, smuggling, trafficking, acquisition, receipt, storage, transportation, purchase, or use of methamphetamine—even for personal consumption—will face detention. Additionally, attempted production or manufacturing of the drug will be treated as a major offense.

By classifying methamphetamine offenses under this category, Saudi authorities aim to curb the devastating health and security risks associated with the drug, which is known to fuel psychological disorders, violent crime, and social instability.

However, the Kingdom is also emphasizing rehabilitation alongside enforcement. Under Article 42 of the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control Law, individuals struggling with addiction can seek treatment voluntarily without prosecution, provided they disclose and surrender any illicit substances in their possession.