Laws and Regulations
The Israel Anti-Drug Authority was established in the end of 1988, by virtue of the "Drug Control Authority Law 5748-1988". The law defines IADA's functions and areas of responsibilities. IADA's activities and its decision-making bodies' authority are also based on this law.
Following are additional laws which have a direct or indirect effect on IADA's activities. Most of the laws are available in Hebrew only.
"Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (New Version) - 5732-1973" - The ordinance, including amendments added over the years, states which substances are illegal for use, and the degree of punishment for specific offenses. According to the ordinance, being convicted for a second time for infraction of its provisions may lead to the revoking of one's driving license or professional license. Sections dealing with "Forfeiture Laws" allow forfeiture of drug traffickers' possessions and incarceration of up to 25 years for enticing a minor to use drugs. Using drugs in school premises can lead to 5 years in prison. Amendment to Section 10 of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance - forbids possession, showing of, or sale of paraphernalia related to drug use.English version available - Amendment 1989.
Penal Law- This is the punishment code for criminal offenses enforced in Israel. Fines imposed by the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance are calculated as multiples of fines as stated in the Penal Law. The code includes a section (Section 82) which allows punishment to be substituted by treatment for drug abusers, for a period to be determined by the court.
Institutions for Drug Users (Supervision and Treatment) Law, 5753-1993 - In Israel, all drug treatment institutions must operate under a license. The law defines the minimum professional and physical conditions required for obtaining the license. English version available.
Amendment to the Municipality Law - Compulsory requirement for local municipalities to establish treatment services for drug abuse victims, and to offer education and prevention activities in their jurisdiction, as well as establishing a local committee for combating drugs.
Amendment to the Business Licensing Law - Gives power to the Minister of Health to forbid any business to call itself after any terms associated with drugs (including slang).
Amendment to the Youth Law (Treatment and Custody) - States that a child born with withdrawal symptoms can be put up for adoption.
Amendment to the Transportation Ordinance - States that random checking may be performed on drivers suspicious of driving while intoxicated.
There are other laws and regulations that are related to the combat against drugs, such as laws allowing to search a person and to conduct body searches, amendments to the Prison Ordinance which allows treatment and detoxification in the same facility for male and female prisoners. The Public Health Insurance Law places the liability for treating drug addicts on public healthcare services.
Prohibition of Money Laundering Act, 5760-2000 - Established to prevent money laundering deriving from criminal activities and drug trafficking, this law enables the tax authorities to start investigations in cases where there is a suspicion of money laundering. English version available
Several legislation proceedings are currently at various stages:
Amendments to the Drug Contorl Authority Law - Expanding the law's responsibilities to include the treatment of alcohol abuse and amendments to necessary legislations.
Amendments to the Transportation Ordinance regarding drug tests for professional drivers, and drug tests for bodily fluids (including saliva).
Amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance - to determine minimum sentences for drug dealers, to hasten the inclusion of new dangerous substances into the ordinance, and to consider possession of derivatives as drug possession.
Currently there are steps towards the legislation of a derivatives law, which will include derivatives of substances such as amphetamine, metamphetamine, cathione, cathine, all of which popular in production of designer drugs sold in convenience stores around the country.
