Around KD 200 mln worth of drugs seized in 18 months

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KUWAIT CITY, Feb 20: In just 18 months, starting from the beginning of 2021 until June 2022, the total value of drug seizures exceeded 200 million dinars, as revealed by a study presented by four members of the Youth Council: Walid Khaled Al-Kandari, Abdul Rahman Khaled Al-Qasba, Latifa Saleh Al-Furaih, and Hessa Hamoud Al- Nawaif.

Titled “When Pain Meets Hope,” the study linked the targeting of Kuwait’s youth with drugs to the increased value of the dinar compared to neighboring countries. It was highlighted that the value of drugs in Kuwait is ten times higher than in neighboring countries, reports Al-Qabas daily. Surprisingly, the study indicated that only a third of the targeted quantities of drugs are seized in the country, implying that two-thirds of the quantities are entering the country illegally. The study also pointed out that airports witness the highest rate of seizures compared to other ports, with China, Iran, and India being the top three countries from which drugs enter Kuwait.

One of the major challenges faced by societies is the significant number of young people falling into drug abuse, leading to various issues such as health problems, financial strain, family conflicts, and social issues. Drug abuse can disrupt an individual’s productivity and success at work, leading to financial difficulties and ultimately contributing to poverty, increased rates of suicide or homicide, and a rise in criminal behavior.

Additionally, it exacerbates health problems such as the spread of HIV. Globally, drug-related issues cost governments over $120 billion annually, posing a serious threat to human health and well-being, undermining economic, cultural, and political foundations, and causing severe damage to economies through decreased productivity and loss of manpower. The study highlights that the social environment plays a significant role in drug abuse and addiction, particularly when young people come from unstable families.

This environment encourages drug abuse, resulting in unproductive individuals who may negatively impact the state’s entity, security, and economic and social stability. Given these challenges, the study emphasizes the importance of implementing a new policy to address gaps within state agencies responsible for combating drug trafficking. This involves amending legal loopholes exploited by drug traffickers to effectively curb the spread of drugs and achieve the strategic development goals outlined in Kuwait’s national development plan and the vision of “New Kuwait” 2035.

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