MUSCAT: Oman’s new anti-narcotics law has introduced tougher penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling and possession, with punishments ranging from substantial fines and lengthy prison terms to life imprisonment and the death penalty in aggravated cases.

The Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, issued under Royal Decree No. 67/2026, also strengthens provisions covering chemical precursors used in drug production while providing treatment and rehabilitation alternatives for people suffering from drug dependency.

Hamad bin Saeed Al-Ghafri, Acting Director of the Public Prosecution Department for Drug Cases and Human Trafficking Cases, said the legislation draws a clear distinction between possession for personal consumption and possession intended for trafficking.

Speaking to Oman TV, Al-Ghafri said possession for personal use carries a prison sentence of between one and three years, alongside a financial penalty.

Under the new law, anyone who possesses, acquires, purchases, produces or manufactures narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances for personal consumption faces one to three years in prison and a fine ranging from RO1,000 to RO5,000.

Penalties rise substantially when trafficking is involved.

Importing, exporting, producing or manufacturing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances for trafficking purposes carries imprisonment and a fine ranging from RO35,000 to RO60,000.

The death penalty can apply to drug smuggling for trafficking purposes in specified aggravated circumstances. These include repeat offences, abuse of official authority, licences or legal immunity, using a person lacking or having diminished legal capacity, and involvement or cooperation with international drug-smuggling gangs.

The law also provides for a minimum prison term of 15 years and a fine of between RO10,000 and RO25,000 for possessing, transporting, selling, delivering or distributing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances for trafficking.

That punishment can be increased to life imprisonment in certain circumstances, including when offences take place in or around educational, cultural, sporting or correctional facilities, places of worship, camps and prisons, or when drugs are supplied to a person lacking legal capacity or with diminished capacity.

Al-Ghafri said the legislation also expands criminal liability relating to the possession, import, export and handling of chemical precursors used in the production and manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

At the same time, the law gives courts greater scope to take a rehabilitative approach towards drug dependency instead of relying solely on imprisonment and financial penalties.

Courts may order people suffering from drug dependency to be placed in rehabilitation centres or specialised treatment facilities, subject to conditions prescribed by the law. Admission to a rehabilitation centre may range from six months to one year.

Al-Ghafri said a drug user may also avoid criminal prosecution by voluntarily approaching the authorities for treatment. A treatment request can also be made through qualifying relatives under circumstances specified by the legislation.

Those undergoing treatment must comply with the treatment programme prescribed by a specialist doctor. The Public Prosecution also has the authority to require periodic testing for up to two years to monitor compliance, Al-Ghafri said.

The legislation further regulates the medical use and handling of narcotic substances through official licences and medical prescriptions.

The new law repeals Oman’s previous Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances issued under Royal Decree No. 17/99 and entered into force following its publication in the Official Gazette.