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

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel met Thursday with Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company CEO Mutlaq Al-Zayed to explore ways of strengthening the company’s role in achieving food security and supporting national products. The meeting, held at the Public Authority for Industry headquarters, focused on removing barriers that could hinder the company’s performance and finding ways to enhance its production capabilities. “The government is keen to support strategic national industries, especially the food sector, as it is one of the fundamental pillars of food security in the country,” Al-Ajeel said after the meeting.

He emphasized the need to utilize available resources and streamline administrative and technical procedures to help Kuwait Flour Mills continue providing high-quality staple food products with reliable supply. Supporting local production, Al-Ajeel added, goes beyond boosting output. “It also includes creating a supportive legislative and regulatory environment, encouraging innovation and development, and expanding investment in the food industry in line with the country’s food security vision.”

Al-Zayed thanked the minister for the government’s ongoing support. “We appreciate the continuous backing and direct attention the Ministry of Commerce and Industry gives to Kuwait Flour Mills,” he said. He praised the ministry’s role in supporting national industries, particularly amid global and regional challenges related to supply chains and food security. Al-Zayed noted that the company is working to upgrade its production lines and improve operational efficiency to deliver high-quality products that meet local market needs and contribute to the state’s vision for sustainable local production. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi has welcomed a recent ruling by the Court of Cassation that upheld the ministry’s decisions to shut down and revoke the licenses of 60 pharmacies found in violation of pharmacy law. “These rulings are a victory for the law, a protection for society, and a safeguard for pharmaceutical security,” said Dr Al-Awadhi in a statement, which didn’t name the pharmacies in question.

He stressed that the ministry’s actions were based on legal violations where pharmacies were operated or invested in by individuals other than the licensed pharmacists — a clear breach of the executive regulations governing pharmacy operations. According to the minister, the pharmacy license is a personal right granted solely to licensed pharmacists and may not be transferred or exploited by third parties.

“We will not tolerate any violation that affects the integrity of the medical or pharmaceutical professions,” Dr Al-Awadhi said. “The ministry will continue to take all necessary legal and regulatory steps to ensure professional standards and protect public trust in health services.”

He expressed gratitude to Kuwait’s judiciary, the Fatwa and Legislation Department, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Kuwait Municipality, and the Public Authority for Manpower for their cooperation in enforcing the law. “This is a firm message to anyone who violates the laws regulating health professions,” the minister said. “We are committed to continuing our oversight and legislative responsibilities with the highest standards of transparency and public interest.” The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry are working closely to enforce pharmacy regulations, ensuring the licensing system is not abused and the pharmaceutical sector remains credible and secure, the health ministry said in a statement.