Parliament has passed into law the Narcotics Control Commission Bill, 2019.

The law transforms the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) into a Commission with enhanced powers.

The Commission will have the mandate to control and eliminate trafficking of prohibited narcotic drugs to ensure public safety.

It will also oversee the rehabilitation of people who become addicted to drugs.

The bill also ensures drug abuse will be treated as a public health issue and not only a law enforcement one.

The bill additionally de-criminalises the use of some narcotic substances for health purposes.