CABINET WATCH- Madbouly Cabinet tightens trafficking laws: Apart from discussing key economic indicators (as noted above), the Madbouly Cabinet approved yesterday amendments to the Illicit Substances Act, which would tighten penalties for violators and update the schedule 1 substances list. Under the amendments, all those caught importing or exporting illicit substances will be given the death penalty, while those caught peddling them would face a life sentence and as much as EGP 500k in fines. Those caught using them would face prison time and a fine of up to EGP 200k, according to a cabinet statement. Other decisions taken by the cabinet include approving a USD 289 mn funding agreement with the Arab Monetary Fund to help finance SMEs.

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