Bangladeshi and 2 Kuwaiti Customs Inspectors Arrested in Cigarette Smuggling Operation at Kuwait Airport

KUWAIT CITY, May 9: Kuwait’s General Department of Criminal Investigation, through the Airport Investigations Department in coordination with the General Administration of Customs, has arrested three individuals involved in a cigarette smuggling case at Kuwait International Airport, including two customs inspectors and a cleaner.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the case came to light after information indicated that an airport employee was exploiting access to restricted areas to smuggle cigarettes. Investigations led to the arrest of a Bangladeshi cleaner found in possession of 31 cartons of cigarettes.

Further inquiries revealed that one customs inspector allegedly provided his bank card and work permit to facilitate purchases of contraband cigarettes from the duty-free shop using boarding passes belonging to foreign passengers. A second customs inspector is accused of abusing his position to help move the goods through transit areas and remove them using his private vehicle, bypassing standard customs procedures.

The seized items and all suspects have been referred to the competent authorities for legal action. The Ministry of Interior reiterated its commitment to taking strict action against anyone who abuses their position or violates laws and regulations, stressing that enforcement will apply to all without exception.