On September 11, 2026, Muscat announced the enactment of a new Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, formalized under Royal Decree No. 67/2026. This legislation, which became effective in early September 2026 following publication in the Official Gazette, repeals the previous 1999 law.
Here are the key points of the new law:
- The new law introduces stringent penalties, including the death penalty for aggravated drug smuggling.
- Fines reach OMR 60,000, which is equivalent to approximately AED 572,000 or INR 1.3 crore.
- The law includes provisions for life imprisonment.
- Authorities issued a critical warning regarding zero-tolerance policies on trace amounts of drugs or undeclared prescription medications.
The new statute introduces stringent penalties, including the death penalty for aggravated drug smuggling, fines reaching OMR 60,000—equivalent to approximately AED 572,000 or INR 1.3 crore—and provisions for life imprisonment. Aggravated circumstances warranting the death penalty include repeat offenses, the abuse of official authority or legal immunity, the exploitation of individuals with diminished legal capacity, and involvement with international drug-smuggling syndicates. For importing, exporting, or manufacturing substances for trafficking, offenders face imprisonment and fines ranging from OMR 35,000 to OMR 60,000.
Possession, sale, or distribution for trafficking carries a minimum 15-year prison sentence and fines of OMR 10,000 to OMR 25,000, with potential for life imprisonment if the acts occur near schools, prisons, or places of worship, or involve individuals with diminished legal capacity.Possession for personal consumption is punishable by one to three years in prison and a fine of OMR 1,000 to OMR 5,000. However, the law provides for rehabilitation, allowing courts to commit dependent individuals to treatment centers for six months to one year in lieu of imprisonment.
Criminal charges may be waived if the user voluntarily seeks treatment or is referred by a qualifying relative.Authorities have issued a critical warning to the expatriate community—including citizens of India, the Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt—and visitors from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain regarding zero-tolerance policies. Even trace amounts of cannabis, CBD products, or undeclared prescription medications like codeine, tramadol, or ADHD treatments can result in arrest, jail time, and deportation.
Foreign nationals are subject to deportation and entry bans upon conviction. Officials advise travelers to carry only a one-month supply of controlled medications accompanied by a doctor's certified report dated within the last six months. Furthermore, travelers are strictly cautioned against carrying packages for others at Muscat and Salalah airports or at land borders.
