Oman Unveils Death Penalty, Harsher Fines Under New Anti-Narcotics Law

Oman has enacted a new Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances under Royal Decree No. 67/2026, introducing tougher penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling, possession and personal use, including the death penalty and life imprisonment in certain circumstances.

 

Under the new law, importing, exporting, producing or manufacturing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances for trafficking purposes is punishable by imprisonment and a fine of between RO 35,000 and RO 60,000.

 

The death penalty applies to drug smuggling for trafficking purposes in specified aggravated circumstances. These include repeat offences, abuse of official authority, licences or legal immunity, using a person who lacks legal capacity or has diminished capacity, and participating in or cooperating with international gangs involved in drug smuggling.

 

The law also imposes a minimum prison sentence of 15 years, along with a fine of between RO 10,000 and RO 25,000, for possessing, transporting, selling, delivering or distributing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances for trafficking purposes.

 

The sentence may be increased to life imprisonment when such offences are committed in or around certain protected locations, including educational, cultural and sports facilities, correctional institutions, places of worship, camps and prisons. The harsher penalty may also apply when drugs are supplied to a person who lacks legal capacity or has diminished capacity.

 

For personal use, anyone who possesses, acquires, purchases, produces or manufactures narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances for consumption faces imprisonment of between one and three years and a fine ranging from RO 1,000 to RO 5,000.

 

The legislation also provides treatment and rehabilitation options for people suffering from drug dependency. Courts may order such individuals to be placed in rehabilitation centres or specialised treatment facilities instead of imposing imprisonment, subject to the conditions set out in the law. Admission to a rehabilitation centre may last between six months and one year.

 

The law further provides that criminal charges will not be established against a drug user who voluntarily approaches the authorities seeking treatment, or who is referred for treatment by a qualifying relative.

 

The new legislation repeals the previous Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances issued under Royal Decree No. 17/99. It entered into force following its publication in the Official Gazette.