Egypt's Cabinet approves bill executing narcotics smugglers

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Wed, 30 Jan 2019 - 02:24 GMT

BY

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 - 02:24 GMT

FILE –Noose – Reuters

FILE –Noose – Reuters

CAIRO - 30 January 2019: The Egyptian government approved on Wednesday a bill that stipulates sentencing to death those who"import or export synthetic substances that cause harm to the body, mind or the nervous system," in efforts to limit prohibited drug trade.

The bill approved during a ministerial meeting headed by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli modifications to some articles of Law no. 182 of 1960 on combating narcotic abuse and illegal drug trade. Formerly, the law stipulated punishing drug essence importers and exporters by life imprisonment and a fine ranging from LE 3,000 to 10,000.

The new bill punishes possessors of such substances by a rigorous life sentence and a fine ranging between LE 100,000 ($5,664) and LE 500,000 ($28,319).

Owners of places prepared for illicit drug consumption will also face rigorous imprisonment and a fine of at least LE 200,000 and not more than LE 300,000, according to the bill.

Concerning drug abuse, the bill stipulates sentencing illicit drug consumers to at least one year in prison and a fine that does not exceed LE 10,000 ($566) and not less than LE 1,000 ($57).

The bill has been approved with the aim of confronting the spread of all types of narcotics, particularly synthetic substances which seriously harm the society, specifically the youths, according to official statement.

The

modified law

was issued in 1960 during the term of former President Gamal Abdel Nasser.

The law names 45 substances that are considered by the Egyptian law to be prohibited narcotics, mainly raw opium, all salts of morphine, raw cocaine, and cannabis extracts including Hashish.

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