KUWAIT CITY, July 3: Authorities at the Nuwaiseeb border crossing have successfully thwarted a significant attempt to smuggle a large quantity of cigarettes into the country. Officers from the General Administration of Customs uncovered the smuggling operation during a comprehensive inspection in the lane designated for joint operations.

During the inspection, customs personnel discovered 1,455 packs of cigarettes expertly concealed within various parts of a private vehicle. The smuggled goods were hidden elaborately, utilizing hollow interior panels, the front and rear decorative parts of the vehicle, the roof lining, under the seats, and even beneath the vehicle’s flooring. Most notably, inspectors found that a section of the rear trunk had been deliberately cut and re-welded to create a hidden compartment, designed to evade detection.

What made the incident particularly alarming was the identity of the driver: an employee working within the joint operations team. It was found that he was misusing his position by exploiting the special inspection lane reserved for joint operations, likely expecting a more lenient or bypassed inspection process.

In response to the discovery, customs officials promptly filed an official seizure report. The confiscated cigarette packs were sealed with a customs security stamp, and the case (along with the seized contraband) was referred to the competent legal authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

The General Administration of Customs reiterated its commitment to combating all forms of smuggling, regardless of the methods or individuals involved. It emphasized that no attempt to undermine the country’s security will go unchecked and that customs personnel will continue to carry out their duties with maximum vigilance and professionalism.

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KUWAIT CITY, July 2: In a significant security breach narrowly averted, vigilant officers at Kuwait International Airport intercepted a Pakistani passenger attempting to smuggle 70 Kalashnikov bullets out of the country. The incident, which occurred during routine departure procedures, has raised serious concerns over airport security and passenger safety.

According to security sources, the passenger was traveling with his wife and preparing to board a flight to Pakistan when airport staff grew suspicious during a standard baggage check. A more thorough inspection of his luggage led to the alarming discovery of 70 live Kalashnikov rounds concealed inside one of his bags.

Authorities immediately detained the man and referred him to the appropriate investigative departments. A legal case has been registered as officials work to determine his intent and whether the ammunition was linked to any broader criminal activity. The possession and attempted smuggling of such weaponry not only constitutes a grave legal offense but also poses a serious threat to civil aviation safety.

Sources revealed that the suspect may have tried to exploit the typically high volume of passengers to discreetly move the ammunition through security. However, the smuggling attempt was thwarted due to the heightened alertness and strict enforcement of baggage inspection protocols by airport personnel.

“Despite the congestion and rush of travelers, our team remained fully committed to inspection procedures,” a security official stated. “It’s this level of vigilance that prevented a potentially dangerous situation.”

The incident underscores the continuing challenges airport authorities face in preventing the illegal transport of weapons and contraband. Investigations are ongoing to uncover any possible accomplices or underlying motives behind the attempted smuggling.

The suspect remains in custody as legal proceedings continue.

Subsidized food confiscated from Iranian vessel

KUWAIT CITY, July 2: In a firm move to safeguard national food security and curb the illegal outflow of government-subsidized commodities, Kuwait’s General Administration of Customs announced the successful interception of an attempted smuggling operation involving subsidized food products.

The operation was carried out by the Northern Ports and Failaka Island Customs Administration, where officers seized significant quantities of subsidized goods that were being smuggled out of the country aboard an Iranian ferry. The seizure came during a meticulous inspection conducted by the Customs Passenger Inspection Office, which has heightened enforcement in light of strict national regulations prohibiting the export of subsidized food items under any circumstances.

“These commodities are subsidized by the government to support citizens and residents within Kuwait. Their export is strictly prohibited, as it constitutes misuse of public funds and undermines national support systems,” a customs official stated.

Following the seizure, the confiscated goods were transferred to a secure warehouse under the jurisdiction of the Customs Inspection Department. Legal proceedings have been initiated against those involved, with authorities emphasizing that violators will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

In coordination with other government bodies, an official letter has been sent to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The ministry has been tasked with taking prompt possession of the seized supplies to prevent spoilage and ensure they are reallocated or disposed of according to approved protocols.

The incident highlights Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to protecting public resources and ensuring that subsidized goods reach only their intended recipients within the country. Investigations into the smuggling attempt are ongoing.