England Fans Could Face Death Penalty If Caught With Drugs At Qatar World Cup

Qatar has announced a new zero-tolerance policy for England fans in case of carrying drugs. As per the new policy, those carrying drugs could face death penalty if the fans try to smuggle drugs into the country during World Cup.

The issue of cocaine use among Three Lions supporters has been raised among authorities of late, especially in the aftermath of the unsavory scenes at the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.

These new strict policies have been announced to ensure that the football audience does not sell class A drugs at matches facing a five-year ban from attending games as police aim to crack down on the problem. 

But when it comes to Qatar, the sanctions are much more serious where the repeat offenders could face the death penalty on charges of smuggling and trafficking offenses.

According to Law 9 of 1987 on Control and Regulation of Control and Regulation of Narcotic Drugs and Dangerous Psychotropic Substances, those caught smuggling drugs into Qatar face 20 years in prison and a fine of between 100,000 (£21,349) and 300,000 riyals (£64,047). 

So those people facing a charge for a second time could face the death penalty or life imprisonment including a hefty fine.

To note here that the convictions outside of Qatar will be taken into account when establishing a repeat offender.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chief Council's lead for Football Policing, has issued a warning to fans on behaviour in Qatar. 

'Any fans seen to be misbehaving could also be subject to a football banning order on their return to the UK, as well as being arrested and potentially charged for offences committed in Qatar,' he told the Daily Star. 

The UK government has made clear announcements on its website regarding drug offenses in Qatar.

On its website, it writes:

'There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences. The penalties for the use of, trafficking, smuggling and possession of drugs (even residual amounts) are severe.

'Punishment can include lengthy custodial sentences, heavy fines and deportation. Many people transit via Hamad International Airport on their way to other destinations.

'The airport makes use of the latest security technology, all bags are scanned and transiting passengers carrying even residual amounts of drugs may be arrested.'