KUWAIT CITY, Nov 5: Customs officers at the Al-Abdali border crossing arrested an Iraqi woman after sniffer dogs detected narcotics hidden in her vehicle’s spare tire. However, investigations later revealed that she had been framed by her Lebanese ex-husband, who had previously been deported from Kuwait for drug-related offenses.

According to security sources, the woman’s car was stopped at the border when inspection devices showed signs of suspicious materials. A team of customs officers, assisted by sniffer dogs, discovered a large quantity of psychotropic pills — identified as Lyrica — hidden inside the spare tire. The total amount was estimated at around 8,000 pills. The woman was immediately referred to the General Administration for Drug Control (GADC) for interrogation.

During questioning, the suspect denied any knowledge of the drugs and insisted she was innocent. She told investigators that while she was in Iraq, her Lebanese ex-husband — who had been deported from Kuwait for drug offenses — had requested her car keys under the pretext of performing maintenance. She accused him of planting the drugs in the car to implicate her.

The case was reported to Brigadier General Mohammed Qabazard, Director General of the General Administration for Drug Control, and his assistant, Brigadier General Sheikh Hamad Al-Sabah. The two officers coordinated with Iraqi authorities to verify the woman’s claims.

Subsequently, the Anti-Narcotics Department in Iraq apprehended the ex-husband, who confessed to orchestrating the plot. He admitted to concealing the contraband inside his ex-wife’s car without her knowledge. His plan was for an accomplice in Kuwait — also a Lebanese national — to follow the woman’s vehicle after she crossed the border, steal the spare tire, and distribute the drugs on behalf of the deported man.

Following this confession, Kuwaiti anti-narcotics officers located and arrested the accomplice inside Kuwait. Upon interrogation, he confirmed his role in the plot. Both men were referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal action, while the Iraqi woman was officially cleared of all charges.

A security source emphasized the importance of vigilance among citizens and residents who travel abroad in their personal vehicles. Authorities warned that leaving cars unattended or in the custody of others could expose owners to serious legal consequences if illicit materials are planted in them.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of Kuwait’s anti-narcotics and anti-corruption officers to uncover fabricated cases and prevent innocent individuals from being wrongfully accused due to personal disputes or malicious motives.