KUWAIT CITY, Aug 5: In a dramatic sting operation, Kuwaiti authorities have foiled a bold attempt to smuggle a stash of imported liquor hidden inside a shipping container — and arrested two Indian nationals in connection with the scheme.

The container, which arrived at Kuwait’s Shuaiba Port from a Gulf nation, was declared empty on paper. But sharp-eyed customs officers grew suspicious and ordered a full inspection. What they uncovered was anything but empty — the container's floor had been cleverly modified with secret compartments housing professionally packaged bottles of alcohol.

Acting swiftly, the General Administration of Customs coordinated with the General Department for Drug Control (GDDC). Rather than seizing the shipment immediately, officials allowed the container to proceed under tight surveillance to a warehouse in the Ahmadi area.

There, a trap was sprung.

Authorities arrested two men — identified as Hanifa Muleri Nadu Velailey and Panika Veetil Javar Jaser — just as they were preparing to receive the illicit cargo. According to investigators, the pair confessed they had been acting under the direction of a man named “Zaheer” who is believed to be operating from India.

The Ministry of Interior has vowed to continue cracking down on smuggling operations in cooperation with customs, stressing its commitment to safeguarding national security and stamping out illegal substances.