2025 Executions for Drug Offences: Iran and Saudi Arabia Lead

In 2025, Harm Reduction International (HRI) reported that five countries (China, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore) carried out confirmed executions for drug offences. Iran executed at least 955 individuals for drug-related crimes, accounting for approximately 79% of global drug-related executions, marking a 97% increase from the previous year.

Saudi Arabia followed with 240 executions, also showing a significant rise. The country is increasingly associated with capital punishment as part of its drug-control policy.

The harsh penalties have notably affected Nigerians, particularly highlighted by a case in 2019 involving a Nigerian convicted of drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia. Singapore maintains strict laws against drug trafficking, continuing to enforce the death penalty for specific offences.

Kuwait also executed individuals for drug offences in 2025, although specific numbers were not detailed in the report.