Background

In 1345 H., a law was issued to regulate dealings in narcotics.
In 1374 H., Cabinet Resolution No. 11, defining punishments for narcotics smugglers, their assistants, dealers and users was issued.
In 1380H. (1960), the Narcotics Control Section was established within the General Investigations Department. The Narcotics Control Section continued practicing its duties until it was developed into a division.
On 1/7/1391H (1971), the Narcotics Control Division reported to the Criminal Security (presently Operations Affairs), within the Public Security Sector.
In 1392 H., the narcotics department became a central general administration.
On 18/10/1398H., the Narcotics Control Division reported directly to the Ministry of Interior as a central General Department.
On 1/1/1401H. (1981), the General Administration of Narcotics Control (GANC) reported directly to HE the Director-General of Public Security Sector.
Due to the large area of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the GANC has been developed to include 93 departments, divisions, sections, units and offices covering all Saudi cities, airports and seaports.
The GANC has adopted a slogan: "Controlling Narcotics is a Religious, National, and Humanitarian Duty."
In 1428 H., the Interior Minister issued a resolution that upgraded the GANC and linked it to the assistant interior minister for security affairs, and the Administration was named the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC).