64 expatriates arrested in Kuwait's ongoing battle against drug possession

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 2: In an unyielding effort against the illicit drug trade, the Ministry of Interior is intensifying its campaign against drug dealers. According to a government report, a staggering 60% of all incarcerated individuals have been convicted in cases related to drug use and trafficking.

The report, compiled by the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning, discloses that over a decade, 25,000 defendants faced convictions in 19,000 drug-related cases. It emphasizes that drugs are a primary catalyst for a wide array of crimes, supported by official medical reports revealing that many perpetrators abused various narcotic substances, influencing mental perception. Security services' examinations indicate that out of every 100 cases investigated, 70 are linked to drugs.

In a determined initiative against the illegal drug trade, the Ministry of Interior is escalating its efforts to combat drug dealers. As per an official government report, an astonishing 60% of incarcerated individuals have been convicted in cases related to drug use and trafficking.

The report, prepared by the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning, reveals that over a decade, 25,000 defendants faced convictions in 19,000 drug-related cases. It underscores that drugs serve as a primary catalyst for a diverse range of crimes, supported by official medical reports indicating the abuse of various narcotic substances by many offenders, influencing mental perception. Security services' examinations suggest that out of every 100 cases investigated, 70 are linked to drugs.

A source within the security apparatus disclosed that, following the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, an advanced plan has been approved to comprehensively combat drug smuggling. This plan includes international coordination to dismantle smuggling operations at their source, the implementation of stringent procedures and modern mechanisms at ports to control contraband, and the reinforcement of measures against drug traffickers within the country.

The security source further revealed that poison seizures in 2023 have reached a 15-year high. The most recent operation included the confiscation of 800 kilograms of various drugs and approximately 1.5 million psychotropic pills within three months (from August to October 2023). Additionally, international cooperation successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 800 kilograms of hashish from Lebanon to Kuwait.

Efforts in international coordination also led to the apprehension of smuggling gangs planning to use Kuwait as a transit point for various drugs. Over the past two months, 64 expatriates were arrested for drug possession and subsequently referred to deportation prison.

Data acquired through official channels indicates that the Ministry of Interior, across its various sectors, has successfully apprehended numerous defendants involved in diverse drug cases. These individuals have been referred to the appropriate authorities for legal action. Notably, in a single day in August, authorities seized 6,150 kilograms of various drugs and 763 psychotropic pills. The Ministry registered 10 cases against 15 defendants, seizing 15 kilograms of drugs from postal parcels, along with 7 kilograms of psychotropic substances. Additionally, 14 cases were filed against 14 individuals, resulting in the seizure of 250,000 psychotropic pills and 11 kilograms of narcotics. Further, 8,130 pills were confiscated in other unrelated seizures during the same month.

First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled emphasized Kuwait's steadfast commitment to combatting drug dealers. He cited "unprecedented seizures of drugs of various types and quantities" over the past two years, emphasizing the heightened targeting of Gulf Cooperation Council countries by drug smuggling gangs and underscoring the necessity to protect the region's youth and thwart attempts to establish a thriving drug trade market.