Article 1 of the Saudi Narcotics Law Implementing Regulations
المادة 1 من اللائحة التنفيذية لنظام مكافحة المخدرات والمؤثرات العقلية
The article sets who designates the approved laboratories for analyzing narcotic substances and suspects' samples, requires two specialist experts to approve the result, and says who prepares the analysis forms and sets the sampling method.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- يحدد وزير الصحة المختبرات المعتمدة لإجراء التحاليل المخبرية للمواد المخدرة والمؤثرات العقلية والعينات المأخوذة من المتهمين.
2 - يعتمد التحليل المخبري خبيران مختصان فيما يلي:
أ - نتيجة الكشف عن كنه المادة المضبوطة وإثبات إيجابيتها أو سلبيتها للمادة المخدرة أو المؤثر العقلي ومدى خطورتها .
ب - نتيجة تحليل العينات المأخوذة من المتهمين.
3 - تعد وزارة الصحة النماذج الخاصة بالتحاليل المخبرية وتعتمدها بالتنسيق مع وزارة العدل .
4- تحدد وزارة الصحة كيفية أخذ العينات والكميات اللازمة للتحليل بالتنسيق مع وزارة الداخلية.
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 1 explained in plain English
This article lays down the basic rules for laboratory analysis in narcotics and psychotropic substances cases, the analysis on which proof of the nature of a seized substance, or its presence in a suspect's body, is often based.
- Designating laboratories: the Minister of Health designates the approved laboratories for analyzing narcotic substances, psychotropic substances and samples taken from suspects.
- Result approved by two experts: two specialist experts approve the analysis, whether for the result of examining the seized substance to establish whether it is a narcotic or a psychotropic substance or not, and how dangerous it is, or for the result of analyzing suspects' samples.
- Forms: the Ministry of Health prepares and approves the laboratory analysis forms in coordination with the Ministry of Justice.
- Taking samples: the Ministry of Health determines how samples are taken and the quantities needed for analysis, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.
In practical terms, the approved analysis result is the one issued by a laboratory designated by the Minister of Health and approved by two specialist experts. The article does not state the detailed procedures or the forms themselves; it refers their determination to the bodies mentioned. Anyone with a case that depends on an analysis result can consult a lawyer specialized in criminal cases.
Practical example
A suspect substance is seized from Khalid in Riyadh and sent to an approved laboratory. The analysis result establishing the type of the substance and how dangerous it is must be approved by two specialist experts, not one.
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 1 of the Saudi Narcotics Law Implementing Regulations
Who designates the approved laboratories for drug analysis?
The Minister of Health designates the approved laboratories for analyzing narcotic substances, psychotropic substances and suspects' samples.
How many experts approve a drug analysis result?
Two specialist experts approve the laboratory analysis, whether in examining the seized substance or in analyzing suspects' samples.
Who determines how an analysis sample is taken?
The Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, together with the quantities needed for analysis.
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.