In a drug case, the classification decides almost everything: use, possession, or dealing. The Narcotics Law sets very different penalties for each, so the lawyer’s work starts in the first hours, before the file settles on one description. Usus Law Firm’s Riyadh office defends drug cases before the Public Prosecution and the criminal court, for Saudis and residents, confidentially and in English or Arabic.
A relative arrested in a drug case?
Send us the date and place of arrest and what you were told about the charge. A lawyer from our Riyadh team will reply.
WhatsApp a lawyerCall +966 53 034 9349
What you send us is confidential and used only to study your case.
The classification decides the penalty
| Offence | Article | Basic penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Use, or possession for personal use | Art. 41 | 6 months to 2 years in prison |
| Possession or transport with no intent to deal or use | Art. 39 | 2 to 5 years, up to 50 lashes each time, fine SAR 3,000–30,000 |
| Possession, sale or purchase with intent to deal | Art. 38 | 5 to 15 years, up to 50 lashes each time, fine SAR 1,000–50,000 |
| Smuggling, importing, manufacturing; dealing a second time | Art. 37 | Death as ta’zir; the court may instead impose at least 15 years and a fine of at least SAR 100,000 |
See drug dealing penalty and first-time drug use.
What can reduce the penalty
- Closing the case for a first-time user aged 20 or under (Art. 42).
- Treatment instead of punishment (Arts. 43, 50).
- A reduced or suspended sentence for a non-repeat offender (Art. 60).
- Exemption for reporting before the authorities know (Art. 61).
Where the defence starts
With the arrest and search record: was there a genuine in-flagrante situation, a reasoned search order from the Prosecution, sealing of the drugs on the spot, and a match between the weight in the record and the lab report? Any act contrary to Sharia or the laws is void (Art. 187 of the Criminal Procedure Law).
For residents
A non-Saudi convicted of a drug offence is deported after serving the sentence (Art. 56). The way to avoid that is the defence before judgment. See drug penalties for foreigners.
Our Riyadh office
Al Olaya, at the intersection of Khurais Road and Olaya Street, Building 3061, First Floor, Office No. 8. Sunday to Thursday 9 am – 1 pm and 6 – 9 pm, Saturday 6 – 9 pm. Phone and WhatsApp: +966 53 034 9349. The first consultation is free, in person or online. For Tabuk, see our Tabuk office.
Do not wait for the first hearing
Every day in the investigation matters for the classification.
WhatsApp a lawyerCall +966 53 034 9349
What you send us is confidential and used only to study your case.
Frequently asked questions
What is the penalty for first-time drug use?
6 months to 2 years (Article 41), with possible closure for a user aged 20 or under (Article 42) and a reduced or suspended sentence (Article 60).
What is the penalty for dealing?
5 to 15 years and a fine of SAR 1,000–50,000 (Article 38), more with aggravating factors.
Will an expatriate be deported?
If convicted, yes, after serving the sentence (Article 56).
How much does a drug lawyer in Riyadh cost?
It depends on the charge and stage. We set the fee in writing after the free first consultation.
Articles cited are from the Law of Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (Royal Decree M/39 of 8/7/1426H) and the Law of Criminal Procedure (Royal Decree M/2 of 22/1/1435H). This page is general information, not advice on your case. Always check the current official text.