KUWAIT CITY, Aug 29:  Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hamoud should probe into allegations that some lawmakers have intervened to secure the release of a group of drug traders, MP Musallam Al-Barrak said Monday.

According to a report published by Al-Qabas daily on Sunday, officers from the Drug Control General Department (DCGD) have arrested some of those involved in the smuggling of a large quantity of drugs into the country but some lawmakers allegedly mediated on behalf of the suspects.  The largest shipment of drugs coming from a neighboring country in 2011 was intercepted a month ago, yet these lawmakers have intervened to prevent the announcement of the details of the case to the public, the report added.
Al-Barrak pointed out every MP has the right to defend himself and take the necessary steps to find the truth.  He said some measures must be taken inside the Parliament and there is also a need for an emergency session to take a decision in terms of the existing laws to ensure strict compliance among the parties involved.  He urged his colleagues to support a request for holding an emergency session to finalize deliberations on a number of important draft bills.

Calling on the interior minister to quickly start investigations into the allegation, Al-Barrak also emphasized the need to divulge the identities of the MPs involved in the case because they do not deserve to remain in their post even for a day.  He also asked the minister to issue an official statement to confirm or deny the allegation.

Meanwhile, MP Dr Rola Dashti advised the minister not to succumb to pressure from MPs trying to use their power to secure the release of the drug dealers.  She asserted this behavior is unacceptable and the minister must take the required steps to stop unscrupulous individuals from destroying Kuwait and its youths for personal gains.

In another development, Al-Barrak criticized the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) governor for his silence on the KD25 million deposits issue.  He said this silence raises many questions, so the governor must divulge the facts.  He also warned against manipulating the bank accounts to maintain the credibility of the local banks.
The lawmaker called to mind a similar case some time ago when an undisclosed amount of money was taken from the Central Bank to pay an official.  At the time, the Parliament formed an investigative panel to look into the issue but the government did not cooperate, he added.
Al-Barrak confirmed he has asked various government authorities to submit a detailed report on all withdrawals made since April 2006 and the beneficiaries.  He urged his colleagues to efficiently play their supervisory role for the people not to lose confidence in the legislature.  He argued it is ethical for the lawmakers to question both the payers and receivers to uncover the truth and punish those proven to have violated the law.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior categorically denied press reports claiming that MPs sought to mediate with the ministry to release a number of drug dealers.
Such an irregularity has never taken place and will never happen considering abidance of the personnel by the standing regulations and procedures against the drug dealers and addicts, said the MoI Department of Information in a statement.
It affirmed determination of the authorities to foil any bid to smuggle narcotics into the country and prosecute smugglers and dealers.