Kuwait Criminalises Drug-Themed Clothing as Nationwide Crackdown Expands

Kuwait has introduced sweeping new penalties banning drug-themed clothing and accessories, intensifying its national campaign against narcotics and related criminal activity. The Ministry of Interior announced the rules under its “Safeguarding Our Homeland” initiative, stating that the measures aim to protect public morals, curb drug-related influence, and strengthen overall national security.

Under the updated regulations, any individual wearing, using, or displaying items featuring imagery, symbols or wording linked to narcotics may be fined up to KD500. The rules apply broadly to clothing, accessories, printed goods, and merchandise that authorities deem to encourage or glorify drug use.

The ministry also reminded the public of stricter provisions included in the revised Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law, which now penalises individuals found associating with drug users even if they are not consuming substances themselves. Those in violation may face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to KD5,000, or both.

A statement posted on the ministry’s official X account on 6 December reiterated the severity of the enforcement drive, highlighting the maximum penalties of three years’ imprisonment and fines reaching KD5,000. Another notice stressed the KD500 fine for displaying narcotics-related imagery.

Officials say the new laws are part of a broader strategy to combat drug misuse and discourage the spread of content that normalises or glamorises narcotics, particularly among youth and across social media. The Ministry of Interior urged citizens and residents to adhere to the regulations and report potential violations through designated channels.

The measures come amid rising regional concern over the social effects of drug use. Kuwait has significantly tightened border controls, expanded public awareness campaigns and signalled that further initiatives including prevention, rehabilitation and community support programmes  will follow as part of its long-term national anti-drug strategy.