Kyrgyzstan Strengthens Penalties for Child Involvement in Drug Ads
Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament Strengthens Laws Against Drug Influence on Youth
Bishkek, April 30, 2025 — In a significant legislative move, the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan has passed a draft law aimed at reinforcing measures against the dissemination of narcotic and psychoactive substances among the country’s youth. The amendment to the Criminal Code was approved in its third reading and is designed to adapt to the evolving challenges posed by drug-related offenses.
The amendments specifically introduce the terms "potent substances," "psychotropic substances," and "analogues of narcotic drugs" into Article 181 of the Criminal Code. This article currently holds individuals accountable for involving minors in the use of "alcohol, narcotic drugs, or other intoxicating substances." However, a legal gap has existed where actions related to psychotropic substances and analogues were not subject to punishment. The new legislative changes aim to close this gap by extending criminal liability to these substances, thereby enhancing protections for vulnerable youth.
Moreover, the law seeks to impose stricter penalties for the propaganda and distribution of narcotic drugs through telecommunications networks. A new clause will be added to Article 287, specifically addressing actions carried out via the Internet and social media platforms. This move acknowledges the rising trend of drug advertising in public spaces and online, highlighting a pressing need for more robust legal frameworks to safeguard young people from the perils of drug crimes.
The development of these amendments comes in response to alarming trends in drug marketing that have emerged in recent years, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative action to counteract these influences on the younger generation.
As the nation grapples with the complexities of drug-related issues, this legislative step represents a proactive effort to protect its youth and create a safer community environment.
