Legislation: seven countries with strict drug laws

By Sechat editorial staff

Despite the progress in regulatory aspects of medicinal, industrial, and adult use of cannabis in various parts of the world such as the USA, Israel, Portugal, Spain, Paraguay, and Uruguay, some places still impose harsh penalties on those caught in possession or consuming narcotic substances. 

With that in mind, we have listed seven countries where the sale, possession, and consumption of drugs are strictly prohibited, causing, in some cases, the death penalty for individuals caught with illicit substances. Check out the list: 

SINGAPORE

In Singapore, the crime of drug trafficking leads to death. To be classified as a trafficker, a person must be caught with at least 17 grams of marijuana or 14 grams of cocaine or heroin. The execution is carried out by hanging.

According to international press reports, between 1991 and 2004, 400 people were sentenced to death for drug trafficking in the city-state.

CHINA

In China, attempted drug trafficking leads to the death penalty or life imprisonment. The same applies to those caught producing the material. In 2007 alone, about 470 people were executed in the country for drug-related crimes.

Furthermore, the possession of small quantities of any type of drug can result in mandatory internment in a public rehabilitation clinic.

MALAYSIA 

In this Southeast Asian country, anyone found with more than seven grams of marijuana or 14 grams of heroin is sentenced to death, quantities that constitute trafficking in Malaysia. 

Those found with even smaller amounts will also be punished, but with imprisonment or fines. Drug possession is illegal in the country.

VIETNAM 

In Vietnam, if a person is caught with more than 1.3 kg of heroin, they will automatically be sent to execution. And this is just one of the penalties applied in the country.

If the quantity is less than that, or if the person is found with any other type of drug, they will be taken to government-established rehabilitation centers. In these places, there are no medical or psychological treatments. The internees are actually tortured, subjected to slave labor, and receive harsh discipline lessons.

SAUDI ARABIA

The possession and sale of drugs and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Individuals found with any of these substances are punished with fines, imprisonment, public flogging, or death.

Possession and consumption usually lead to imprisonment and public flogging, in the worst cases. Traffickers are punished with public beheading, similar to rapists.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Although Dubai is one of the most sought-after destinations for young people looking for fun, the city is one of the most intolerant when it comes to drugs. 

The penalty is usually served in jail, but the criteria are very strict: any trace of drugs can leave a person imprisoned for at least four years.

One example cited by the international press is the case of a British citizen who was caught with 0.003 grams of marijuana on the sole of his shoe. The minimal amount of the drug, impossible to be seen with the naked eye and probably got on the shoe after the British citizen stepped on something. Nevertheless, he was sentenced to four years in prison.

INDONESIA

If a person is caught with small amounts of marijuana in Indonesia, they can be sentenced to 20 years in prison. For the possession and consumption of any other drug, the punishment is up to 12 years.

However, if drug trafficking is confirmed, the accused will be sentenced to death and the execution is carried out by a firing squad.