KUWAIT: In a series of major security operations, the interior ministry, under the direct supervision of First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, announced several successful crackdowns targeting drug smuggling, illegal alcohol manufacturing and housing violations across the country.
In the most prominent operation, the ministry foiled an attempt to smuggle approximately 4 million Captagon pills with an estimated street value of KD 4 million ($39.3 million). The narcotics were ingeniously concealed inside water treatment pipes. The operation was conducted by the criminal security sector in cooperation with the General Directorate of Customs and Kuwait Fire Force.
Authorities arrested one suspect inside Kuwait, while the main suspect remains abroad. Coordination is ongoing with an international anti-narcotics agency to apprehend the individual and pursue legal action. The consignment took a tricky route before arriving in Kuwait — it was smuggled to an Arab country and a European one before its final destination. The ministry praised the effective cooperation among participating agencies and reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting national security.
In a separate operation, the ministry dismantled a large liquor manufacturing and distribution network operating out of six residential areas: Mishref, Jaber Al-Ali, Nahda, Faiha, Saad Al-Abdullah and Qusour. The joint effort involved Kuwait Fire Force, Kuwait Municipality, Environment Public Authority and the ministry of electricity, water and renewable energy.
The operation led to the arrest of 52 suspects — 30 men and 22 women — of two Asian nationalities. Eight vehicles used for logistical support, including the delivery of raw materials, food supplies, salaries and distribution of the manufactured liquor, were seized. Authorities said the houses were rented and used strategically to avoid detection.
Meanwhile, the ministry also carried out an extensive inspection campaign in Khaitan, targeting private housing units in violation of legal and regulatory standards. The campaign involved multiple agencies including the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kuwait Municipality, Environment Public Authority, Kuwait Fire Force and the ministry of electricity, water and renewable energy. Several violations were documented, and legal actions are underway to hold violators accountable.
The ministry reiterated that it will continue its strict enforcement campaigns and will not tolerate any actions that jeopardize the security and safety of the country and its residents. Separately, the supreme committee for Kuwaiti citizenship held a meeting on Thursday chaired by Sheikh Fahad. In a statement, the interior ministry announced that Kuwaiti citizenship was revoked from an individual in accordance with articles 10 and 11 of the citizenship law due to holding dual nationality. Another individual was stripped of their citizenship for obtaining it through forgery and fraud, while one person was stripped of citizenship for the state’s “higher interests”. – KUNA