Kuwait Arrests 4 Asian Expats over Banned Tobacco Sales in Mirqab

14/05/2026

Kuwait Arrests 4 Asian Expats over Banned Tobacco Sales in Mirqab

KUWAIT CITY, May 14: Officers from the Capital Governorate Security Directorate detained four Asian expatriates and seized 9,826 Kuwaiti dinars after uncovering a grocery store allegedly selling the banned chewing tobacco product “tumbak” popularly known by Asians as Gutka or Khaini in Mirqab area.

According to a security source, a patrol noticed a large crowd of expatriate workers gathered outside the store during routine monitoring. When officers approached, several individuals fled the scene, while the store owner, his assistant, and two other expatriates were apprehended.

Initial investigations indicated that the crowd had gathered due to the store’s sale of “tumbak” chewing tobacco/Gutka/Khaini and other prohibited nicotine-based products. Authorities later contacted the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which dispatched an inspector who confirmed the items were banned and smuggled.

Further legal procedures are underway against the suspects.