KUWAIT CITY, Feb 17: In a coordinated security operation between the State of Kuwait and Iraq, authorities have foiled a major attempt to smuggle and distribute Captagon pills inside Kuwait, the Ministry of Interior announced.

The Criminal Security Sector, represented by the General Department for Drug Control, worked in direct cooperation with its Iraqi counterpart to dismantle an international criminal network involved in drug trafficking. The operation led to the arrest of a suspect residing illegally in Kuwait who was found in possession of approximately 314,000 Captagon pills, with an estimated street value of around KD 1 million. The narcotics were reportedly intended for local distribution.

According to officials, the suspect was placed under surveillance as part of a well-coordinated security plan based on intelligence gathering, which ultimately led to his arrest. During questioning, he confessed that the seized drugs belonged to him in partnership with an accomplice outside the country and were intended for trafficking. Investigations further revealed that the suspect has a prior criminal record related to drug trafficking and psychotropic substances.

The accused and the confiscated drugs have been referred to the Narcotics Prosecution to complete the necessary legal procedures.

Authorities said the joint operation underscores the high level of regional security coordination in confronting transnational criminal networks and reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying preemptive efforts to curb drug smuggling, protect society, and safeguard national security.