Acting PM and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef with the suspect during the narcotics lab raid.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14:  As part of the Ministry of Interior’s ongoing efforts to combat drugs and protect society from toxic substances, and under the direct supervision of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, the Criminal Security Sector, represented by the General Department of Drug Control, has arrested an illegal resident (Bedoun), Abdul Aziz Juma Aboud Al-Sharifi, who was running a laboratory for manufacturing, storing, and distributing narcotics in a rented stable in the Kabd area.

The raid led to the seizure of 25 kilograms of a chemical substance ready for distribution, 10 liters of the base material used to produce the chemical, 15,000 Lyrica capsules, 250 grams of methamphetamine, a large number of papers saturated with the chemical substance ready for distribution, various manufacturing tools and equipment, and a range of dangerous chemicals, including concentrated toxic pesticides, acetone, and lacquer.

Investigations revealed that the suspect used highly toxic and dangerous chemicals, such as pesticides and acetone, to mix and prepare the narcotic substance, posing a serious threat to public health and potentially causing death.

The Ministry of Interior affirmed its continued commitment to pursuing and apprehending anyone involved in the production and distribution of narcotics, taking all legal measures against them, and emphasized that protecting society and maintaining its security and stability remain top priorities.

A file photo of Kuwait Fire Force authorities enforcing fire safety rules in the Shuaiba Industrial Zone.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14: The Kuwait Fire Force (KFF), in coordination with several government entities, conducted an extensive inspection campaign in the Fahaheel Industrial Area that led to the closure of dozens of non-compliant establishments.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the KFF announced that the campaign resulted in the administrative closure of 53 industrial establishments and shops found to violate fire safety and regulatory requirements. Additionally, 120 notices and warnings were issued to other facilities found to be in partial breach of regulations.

The inspection was carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Public Authority for Industry, the Environment Public Authority, and the Kuwait Municipality.

The campaign is part of ongoing efforts to enforce public safety regulations and ensure compliance with fire prevention measures across industrial zones.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: In a major crackdown on residency trafficking, the General Department of Residence Affairs Investigations has arrested a Pakistani national and several others accused of issuing illegal residency permits in exchange for money. The operation was carried out under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.

Investigations revealed that the main suspect, identified as Shahbaz Hussain Allah Rakha, was registered under Noor Al-Kawthar General Trading and Contracting Company and acted as a representative for 19 companies, managing nine of them under agency agreements. A total of 150 workers were registered under these companies, owned by Munifa Omar Al-Enezi.

Authorities found that individuals had paid between KD 350 and KD 900 to the suspect to renew or transfer their residency illegally, despite not working for the companies under his name. The accused admitted to completing the transactions himself using the credentials of the Public Authority for Manpower and the Ministry of Interior, without the company owner’s involvement.

All suspects have been referred to the competent authorities for legal action. The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Public Authority for Manpower, has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying inspections, rooting out residency trafficking, and enforcing strict legal measures against offenders.