KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior, represented by the Criminal Security Sector, announced on Sunday that it had dealt a major security blow to an international drug trafficking network operating from outside the country. Large quantities of narcotics prepared for distribution within Kuwait were seized in the operation. In a statement issued by the General Department of Security Relations and Media, the ministry said the operation was executed under the direct supervision and field follow-up of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.

Following intensive investigations and surveillance, security forces arrested two Asian suspects in separate operations in the Shuwaikh and Kaifan areas. Authorities confiscated 14 kilograms of pure heroin, 8 kilograms of shabu (methamphetamine) and two precision electronic scales from the suspects’ possession. The detainees and the seized materials have been referred to the competent authorities for legal action. The ministry affirmed that the operation falls within the framework of its ongoing efforts to combat the drug menace and dismantle trafficking networks.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated its commitment to continuing its intensive campaigns and security crackdowns to pursue drug traffickers and thwart all smuggling and distribution attempts in order to safeguard society from the dangers of narcotics. The ministry also urged citizens and residents to report any suspicious activity to the General Department for Combating Narcotics via the hotline 1884141, which operates around the clock, stressing that all reports are handled with full confidentiality. — KUNA

KUWAIT: An Amiri decree was issued on Sunday launching Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority to replace the Civil Aviation Directorate as an independent body that will have full control over the civil aviation sector and related affairs. Chairman of the Authority Sheikh Humoud Mubarak Al-Sabah said the law is in line with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization and other related regional organizations. The new law was issued 65 years after issuing two civil aviation laws that regulate civil aviation and aviation accidents, Sheikh Humoud said.

He added the new law will boost the independence of the civil aviation sector and keep pace with the best international practices in regulating and managing the civil aviation sector. The law will also enable the civil aviation sector to apply the highest international standards toward a safe and sustainable aviation sector, he said. Articles of the new law consider the Chicago Convention, the convention on international civil aviation, its annexes and amendments, and related international and regional agreements, as an integral part of the law. Under the law, the Authority will have full control of all civil airports, landing of aircraft, civil aviation safety and other related affairs.

In the meantime, the interior ministry on Sunday called on thousands of women who were stripped of their Kuwaiti citizenship to speed up procedures to reclaim their original nationality from their embassies. The ministry recalled in a statement that the last date for obtaining their old citizenship or at least starting the procedures for that, is August 31, and threatened those who fail to comply risk losing a number of features given to them by the state after losing their citizenship.

Kuwait has revoked the citizenship of thousands of foreign women who were naturalized after getting married to Kuwaiti husbands. The government said it will provide them with certain advantages like keeping their government jobs, pensions and others if they obtain their original nationality from their embassies. Meanwhile, amendments to the penal code were issued on Sunday stating that officials who obstruct or refuse to apply final court verdicts risk a jail term of up to two years and a fine not exceeding KD 20,000, toughening the penalty against officials who reject to implement court rulings.

 KUWAIT:  Employees at Kuwait National Control Center work diligently round the clock to oversee and operate the state’s electric grid. Through a large display screen, the employees can ascertain malfunction points and blackouts, in addition to overseeing regular maintenance programs. The center also ensures efficient use of energy, to guarantee continuous supply to customers. — KUNA