Article 28 of the Saudi Narcotics Law Implementing Regulations

This article addresses two matters in narcotics cases:

1. Provisions preceding the Law: the “previous provisions” before the Law of Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances was issued are relied on in bringing charges and initiating the public case for committing the offenses provided for in items (5 and 6) of paragraph (first) of Article 37 of the Law. The text does not explain in detail what is meant by these provisions.

The text available does not set out the content of items (5 and 6) of Article 37 of the Law, so the type of offenses or the penalties it sets cannot be inferred from it.

2. Content of the judgment: the judgment must specify:

• The criminal description, that is, the legal characterization of the act for which the accused was convicted.
• The narcotic or psychotropic substance involved in the offense.

The practical benefit of this requirement is that the judgment is clear about what the person was convicted of and the type of substance. Anyone facing a charge in these offenses would do well to consult a lawyer specialized in criminal cases.