The bill adopted on 3 November covers production, possession, cultivation and trafficking, as well as equipment used for illicit manufacture. It would also criminalise organising, financing, joining or supporting international drug-crime groups.
Justice Minister Mohamed Ould Soueidatt said tougher penalties would apply in circumstances including cross-border organised crime, violence, abuse of professional authority and offences involving minors or sensitive institutions.
Investigators would gain a framework for undercover operations, controlled deliveries, electronic surveillance, communications interception and technical location tracking, subject to judicial authorisation and oversight. The text also provides for voluntary or court-ordered treatment in specialised centres. An entry-into-force date was not announced.