What is the ruling on stealing something that is inherently unlawful (drugs), and should the stolen item be returned to the the thief or to its original owner?

Theft is one of the major sins. If someone steals something that is forbidden by Islamic law, such as drugs, he is not obligated to return it. Rather, he must destroy it if it is still in his possession. If the theft was with the intention of destroying it, then there is no sin, for Allah Almighty says: "There is no blame upon the doers of good." However, if it was for personal gain, then there is sin in it, but there is no obligation to return it or pay compensation for it, because it has no value in the first place. Instead, repentance and seeking forgiveness are obligatory.