KUWAIT CITY, Jan 13: An employee of the General Administration of Ports at the Nuwaiseeb border crossing has foiled an attempt to smuggle a wanted individual out of the country, in an incident that highlights the vigilance and professionalism of border personnel and their strict adherence to the law.

According to a security source, the incident occurred at the exit gate, where the port employee was tasked with ensuring that all departing travellers had completed the required exit procedures and owned valid, official travel documents. During routine checks, the employee became suspicious of a vehicle attempting to pass through the gate.

The car was occupied by two men. The driver was a customs officer working at the same border crossing and held a valid exit permit. The passenger, however, did not possess any documentation authorising him to leave the country. The source said the customs officer asked the gate employee to allow the vehicle to pass, claiming that his companion would be travelling with him.

Adhering strictly to established procedures, the port employee refused to clear the vehicle and requested the passenger to present an exit permit. In response, the passenger produced an outdated document that did not belong to him and did not grant permission to depart. This raised further suspicion, prompting officials to disembark the passenger from the vehicle for verification.

Subsequent checks revealed that the passenger was from the same tribe as the customs officer. A security screening confirmed that he was wanted in connection with drug-related cases. He was also found to be carrying identification documents issued by a Gulf state, and further inquiries established that he held dual nationality.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the customs officer had attempted to exploit his official position to smuggle the wanted individual out of the country illegally. Both men were immediately taken into custody, and the necessary legal measures were initiated before they were referred to the competent authorities for further investigation.

The security source stressed that the incident demonstrates the high level of readiness and alertness among personnel at border crossings, and sends a clear message that the law applies to everyone without exception. Any attempt to misuse authority or circumvent regulations, the source said, will be dealt with decisively and without leniency.

The source confirmed that the two suspects are facing multiple charges. The customs officer is accused of abusing his position and facilitating the illegal departure of a wanted individual, while his companion faces charges including attempting to leave the country illegally and holding dual citizenship.