Algeria Introduces Rewards and Legal Protections for Drug Crime Whistleblowers
A new executive decree establishes financial incentives, legal safeguards and strict confidentiality measures for individuals whose information leads to the identification or arrest of drug traffickers, as Algeria intensifies its campaign against narcotics-related crime.
By Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS — Algeria has introduced a new legal framework aimed at strengthening the fight against drug trafficking and psychotropic substance offences by offering financial and non-financial rewards, alongside comprehensive legal protection, to individuals who provide information leading to the detection or disruption of criminal networks.
The measures are set out in Executive Decree No. 26-272, published in Official Gazette No. 57 and signed by the Prime Minister. The decree establishes the conditions and procedures governing the granting of incentives to individuals whose credible information enables the competent authorities to identify perpetrators of drug-related crimes or dismantle their criminal activities.
Under the new framework, reports may be submitted to judicial police services, customs authorities and judicial bodies responsible for investigating drug offences.
The decree provides for both financial and non-financial incentives. Financial rewards will be determined according to the gravity and complexity of each case, while non-financial benefits may include administrative facilitation measures and protective arrangements coordinated by the relevant authorities.
It also allows financial rewards to be paid in instalments as investigations and judicial proceedings progress. A joint committee comprising representatives of the Ministries of National Defence, Interior, Justice and Finance will determine the eligibility criteria, reward thresholds and implementation procedures.
To safeguard whistleblowers, the decree introduces strict confidentiality provisions governing the handling of personal information. The identities of beneficiaries and all related documentation will be kept in an encrypted and confidential register certified by the competent Public Prosecutor attached to the investigating authority, with no copies permitted.
The regulation further provides for criminal penalties against anyone responsible for breaching confidentiality or revealing the identity of whistleblowers.
The decree expressly excludes officials and public servants whose official duties already include investigating and documenting drug-related offences from benefiting from the incentive scheme, on the grounds that such activities fall within their statutory responsibilities.
The new regulation completes the implementation of Algeria’s amended law on the prevention of drug abuse and psychotropic substances, as well as the suppression of their illicit use and trafficking, reinforcing the country’s legal framework for combating organised narcotics crime.
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