Saudi Arabia has implemented stricter requirements for gun ownership. It requires the applicants to pass a drug test as part of the licensing process. This new rule is recently shared in a ministerial decree by Saudi Interior Minister Abdulaziz bin Saud. He has amended existing arms and ammunition regulations. An extra strictness is applied to gun permit applications.
According to the new guidelines, applicants must be Saudi citizens. They must be at least 22 years old. The residents should have a clean criminal record without any security-related restrictions. They also need to demonstrate the physical ability to handle firearms safely.
The applicants must be free from disabilities or conditions that could hinder their use. The required drug screening is known as a toxicology or “tox screen” test. It checks for drug traces in both blood and urine. The drug test ensures that the applicants permitted to carry firearms are free from narcotics.
This amendment is according to Saudi Arabia’s high focus on public safety and its broader anti-drug campaign. The kingdom has intensified efforts to combat the spread of illegal drugs. The recent month has witnessed numerous interceptions of Captagon pills. It is a stimulant that is popular in the region.
Saudi authorities recently disrupted two significant attempts to smuggle Captagon. They have seized over 3.6 million pills through coordinated efforts of customs and law enforcement agencies. Violating gun possession laws can lead to severe penalties. The unlicensed individuals can face up to 18 months in prison with fines of up to SR6,000.
The new gun licensing regulations and enhanced drug interdiction measures show Saudi Arabia’s strict policies. These policies help in eliminating violence and illegal drug use. These efforts will help in strengthening national security.
