Article 5 of the Saudi Narcotics Law Implementing Regulations
المادة 5 من اللائحة التنفيذية لنظام مكافحة المخدرات والمؤثرات العقلية
The article identifies the bodies competent to prosecute and punish a Saudi citizen who commits an offense under Article 3 of the Law outside the Kingdom, and the conditions for initiating the case.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- السلطات المختصة في ملاحقة ومعاقبة أي مواطن سعودي أقدم خارج المملكة على ارتكاب جريمة من الجرائم المنصوص عليها في المادة (الثالثة) من نظام مكافحة المخدرات والمؤثرات العقلية هي: المديرية العامة لمكافحة المخدرات، وهيئة التحقيق والادعاء العام، والمحاكم المختصة.
2- تحرك الدعوى بناء على طلب رسمي من السلطات المختصة في البلد الذي ارتكبت الجريمة على إقليمه، أو إفادة صادرة من جهة رسمية على أن ترافق الطلب أو الإفادة صور مصدقة من الوثائق المستند إليها في توجيه الاتهام، متضمنة وقائع الجريمة وأوصافها وبيان أدلة ثبوتها .
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 5 explained in plain English
This article deals with the case of a Saudi citizen who commits outside the Kingdom an offense provided for in Article 3 of the Law of Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
Bodies competent to prosecute and punish:
- The General Directorate of Narcotics Control.
- The Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution.
- The competent courts.
How is the case initiated? In one of two ways:
- An official request from the competent authorities in the country in whose territory the offense occurred, or
- A statement issued by an official body.
In both cases, the request or statement must be accompanied by certified copies of the documents on which the accusation is based, including the facts of the offense, its descriptions and a statement of the evidence proving it.
In practical terms, traveling outside the Kingdom does not prevent a citizen from being held accountable inside it for these offenses, but initiating the case is subject to an official request or statement supported by certified documents. The article does not explain the content of the offenses in Article 3 of the Law. Anyone facing such a situation would do well to consult a lawyer specialized in criminal cases.
Practical example
A Saudi citizen is accused in a neighboring country of a narcotics offense and then returns to the Kingdom. To initiate the case against him here, an official request from that country's authorities or a statement from an official body is required, accompanied by certified copies of the accusation documents and proof evidence.
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 5 of the Saudi Narcotics Law Implementing Regulations
Is a Saudi held accountable in the Kingdom for a drug offense committed abroad?
Yes, if it is among the offenses of Article 3 of the Law, and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution and the competent courts are competent to prosecute and punish him.
What is required to initiate the case against him?
An official request from the authorities of the country where the offense occurred or a statement from an official body, with certified copies of the accusation documents containing the facts, descriptions and evidence.
More articles on Narcotics Control Authorities and Judicial Police Status
- Article 3
The article identifies the authorities competent to monitor and to prosecute those who commit the offenses under the Law of Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
1- السلطات المختصة بمراقبة مرتكبي الجرائم المنصوص عليها في نظام مكافحة المخدرات والمؤثرات العقلية هي: المديرية العامة لمكافحة المخدرات وكل جهة ذات اختصاص بمكان
- Article 39
The article gives narcotics control directors, officers and non-commissioned officers in military sectors the status of judicial officers for the Law's offenses within their sectors and facilities, with coordination with the competent bodies.
لمديري مكافحة المخدرات وضباطها وضباط الصف في القطاعات العسكرية صفة الضبط الجنائي في الجرائم المنصوص عليها في نظام مكافحة المخدرات والمؤثرات العقلية داخل القطاعا
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.