House endorses draft psychotropic substances law

AMMAN — The Lower House on Sunday passed the 2015 draft drugs and psychotropic substances law under which a special fund will be established to combat narcotics trafficking and treat drug addicts.

Under the law, all charges listed in the law will be looked into by the State Security Court (SSC), the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Also per the bill, a national committee for drugs and psychotropic substances will be formed to drafting anti-trafficking policies and suggest amendments to the law, according to Petra.

MPs passed a provision in the law stipulating a prison term of no less than two years and no more than five, and a fine no less than JD2,000 and no more than JD5,000, on persons charged with intentionally giving a psychotropic substance to someone with the aim of harming or framing him or her, Petra said.

Those misusing, smuggling, manufacturing, planting, importing or selling narcotics or any psychotropic substance will face an imprisonment from two to three years and a fine of no less than JD300, Petra said.

As stipulated in the law, the SSC shall have the right to refer convicted persons in drug-related cases to hospital for physical or mental treatment instead of imposing criminal penalties on them, according to Petra.

Those found guilty of drug-related crimes along with other international crimes, such as arms smuggling or money counterfeiting, or if their actions are within an international criminal group that involves members from several countries and is active in a number of states may face the death penalty.

In a previous session, the House turned down a proposal by some MPs to include "liquor" among the prohibited substances listed in the law.

As put in its validating reasons, the new law aims at addressing the issue of drugs in a more comprehensive manner, banning the import of chemical substances used in the illegal synthesis of narcotics.