Article 28 of the Saudi Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law
المادة 28 من نظام مكافحة المخدرات والمؤثرات العقلية
The article requires narcotic and psychotropic substances to be kept in licensed establishments in a special place within their original containers, in a tight manner that prevents tampering, with the conditions left to the Regulations.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تحفظ المواد المخدرة أو المؤثرات العقلية في المنشآت المرخص لها في مكان خاص بها داخل أوعيتها الأصلية، وبصورة محكمة، لا تترك مجالا للعبث بها أو تغيير كمياتها أو تراكيبها أو أوزانها أو نسب تركيزها. وتحدد اللائحة شروط ذلك.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 28 explained in plain English
This article sets storage rules for narcotic and psychotropic substances inside licensed establishments, such as pharmacies, warehouses, factories and treatment institutions. The aim is that the substance stays as it is in quantity and composition, so that no part of it is withdrawn or replaced without being detected.
The article requires these substances to be kept:
- In a special place for them inside the establishment, not with the other medicines.
- Within their original containers.
- In a tight manner that leaves no room for tampering with them, or changing their quantities, compositions, weights or concentration ratios.
As for the detailed conditions of storage, such as the specifications of the place or the means of locking, the article refers them to the Implementing Regulations, and the text itself does not set them.
This article fits with what comes before and after it: Article Twenty-Seven restricts the use by licensed factories of these substances to the preparations specified in the license, and requires them to follow the provisions of registration and control. After it comes Article Twenty-Nine, which bars the pharmacist from dispensing the medicines specified by the Ministry of Health that contain these substances except on an approved medical prescription. Tight storage protects the substances inside the establishment, and the prescription controls their release to the patient. Anyone who needs advice on his establishment's obligations would do well to consult a lawyer specialized in health regulations.
Practical example
A licensed pharmacy in Taif keeps medicines containing psychotropic substances. They may not be placed on the shelves with ordinary medicines or emptied into other containers; they are kept in a special place within their original containers and in a tight manner, according to the conditions set by the Regulations.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 28 of the Saudi Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law
May narcotic medicines be moved from their original containers to other containers?
The article provides that these substances are kept within their original containers in a special place and in a tight manner.
Who sets the conditions for storing narcotic substances in pharmacies?
The article refers the setting of the storage conditions to the Implementing Regulations of the Law.
What is the aim of tight storage of narcotic substances?
That storage leave no room for tampering with them or changing their quantities, compositions, weights or concentration ratios.
More articles on Licensing Narcotics for Medical Purposes
- Article 2
The article excludes emergency and first-aid medicines containing narcotic substances carried on ships and aircraft from importation, exportation and smuggling, on specific conditions.
لا يعد جلبا أو تصديرا أو تهريبا الكميات المحددة من الأدوية الطبية التي تحتوي على مواد مخدرة أو مؤثرات عقلية تحملها وسائط النقل، كالسفن والطائرات، لمواجهة الحالا
- Article 12
The article requires a one-year renewable license from the Ministry of Health to import or export narcotic or psychotropic substances for legitimate purposes.
لا يجوز استيراد المواد المخدرة أو المؤثرات العقلية أو تصديرها لأغراض مشروعة إلا بموجب رخصة استيراد أو تصدير صادرة من وزارة الصحة. وتمنح الرخصة لمدة سنة قابلة لل
- Article 13
The article limits granting a license to import or export narcotic or psychotropic substances to five categories of pharmaceutical, treatment and research establishments.
يقصر منح رخصة استيراد المواد المخدرة أو المؤثرات العقلية أو تصديرها على المنشآت الآتية: 1 - شركات الأدوية ووكلائها. 2 - مستودعات بيع الأدوية بالجملة. 3 - المؤسس
- Article 14
The article requires narcotic or psychotropic substances to be imported or exported in tightly sealed parcels with a detailed statement, with no other substance in the parcel.
لا يجوز استيراد مواد مخدرة أو مؤثرات عقلية أو تصديرها إلا داخل طرود محكمة الإغلاق، مع بيان يحدد اسم المادة وكميتها وتركيزها وشكلها الصيدلاني حتى لو كانت عينة. و
- Article 15
The article gives the Ministry of Health the power to review the quantity requested for import or export of narcotic substances and to approve, amend or reject it according to the Regulations.
لوزارة الصحة مراجعة الكمية المطلوب استيرادها أو تصديرها للموافقة عليها أو تعديلها أو رفضها وفق الضوابط التي تحددها اللائحة .
- Article 16
The article bars releasing narcotic or psychotropic substances arriving at customs except under a release license from the Ministry of Health, which is returned to it after the release.
لا يجوز تسليم المواد المخدرة أو المؤثرات العقلية التي تصل إلى الجمارك إلا بموجب رخصة فسح صادرة من وزارة الصحة، على أن تعاد هذه الرخصة إليها بعد انتهاء الفسح.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.