Tunisian lawmaker Fatma Mesdi, a member of the General Legislation Committee in the country's parliament, has proposed a revision to the country's drug law, which includes stricter penalties for those convicted of drug-related crimes. The proposed revision, submitted on February 25, 2025, aims to update the 1992 law to better combat evolving drug crimes. Mesdi stated that the proposal is currently under review by the General Legislation Committee.
Mesdi explained that the proposed revision has been informed by input from various stakeholders, including the Interior Ministry, the Judges' Union, and the Order of Pharmacists, as well as experts in the field of law. However, the proposal remains stalled pending a hearing with the Justice Ministry. Mesdi expressed concern that the government's absence from discussing proposals submitted by parliament members has hindered the legislative reform process.
The lawmaker noted that drug crimes have evolved, while the legal framework has remained largely unchanged, rendering it inadequate to address modern drug crimes and tactics. Mesdi cited the transformation of Tunisia from a transit hub to a primary consumer of narcotics. She emphasized the need for a more effective approach to combating drug crimes.
The proposed revision focuses on combating international networks operating between Tunisia and foreign countries, in addition to increasing penalties. Under the proposal, those found to be in possession of or consuming narcotics for personal use could face imprisonment for 6-12 months and fines of 3,000-10,000 dinars. The revision also aims to establish a legal framework for collecting biological samples and conducting analyses to detect narcotics in the human body.
The proposal includes stricter penalties for various drug-related offenses, such as cultivating, harvesting, producing, possessing, owning, transporting, brokering, or selling narcotics. These offenses could result in fines of up to 50,000 dinars and imprisonment for 6-10 years. Additionally, the revision proposes harsher penalties for those involved in manufacturing narcotics, with potential sentences of 20 years or life imprisonment and fines of 500,000-1 million dinars.
Mesdi emphasized that the proposal is not solely focused on punitive measures but also includes educational and awareness-raising components to prevent narcotics consumption. If passed, the revised law could mark a significant shift in Tunisia's approach to combating drug crimes. The lawmaker expressed hope that the proposal will be given due consideration and contribute to a more effective fight against narcotics.
The issue has garnered attention from law enforcement agencies, with Mohamed Ali Chaouabi, head of the narcotics unit at the Judicial Police in Qarjani, stating that the Interior Ministry is working to revise the 1992 law in light of evolving drug crimes. The proposed revision is seen as a step towards addressing the growing concern of narcotics in Tunisia.
Key points
- The proposed revision to Tunisia's drug law includes stricter penalties for drug-related crimes.
- The proposal aims to update the 1992 law to better combat evolving drug crimes.
- The revision includes educational and awareness-raising components to prevent narcotics consumption.
