Kuwait’s war on drugs: Security forces seize 800kg of narcotics in 3-month operation

This news has been read 898 times!

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 18, (Agencies): In line with the directives of Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, robust efforts by security services to curb drug dealers and safeguard Kuwaiti youth from the perilous effects of narcotics have resulted in the confiscation of approximately 800 kilograms of various drugs and about 1.5 million psychotropic pills over the past three months (August to October 2023).

Data reveals that, under the auspices of the Ministry of Interior, numerous suspects involved in various drug-related cases were apprehended and subsequently handed over to competent authorities for legal proceedings.

In August, security services achieved a significant breakthrough, seizing 6,150 kilograms of various drugs and 763 psychotropic pills in a single day. This operation led to the registration of 10 cases involving 15 defendants. Additionally, authorities intercepted 15 kilograms of drugs shipped through postal parcels, along with 7 kilograms of psychotropic substances, resulting in 14 cases against 14 individuals. The month also witnessed the confiscation of 250,000 psychotropic pills and 11 kilograms of narcotics. Another separate seizure involved 8,130 pills found in the possession of the defendants.

September 2023 saw a total of about 180 kilograms of drugs, including hashish and heroin, seized, along with thousands of psychotropic pills from numerous defendants. Legal procedures were initiated, and the cases were referred to the Public Prosecution.

In October 2023, security services successfully seized approximately 128 kilograms of hashish and other illicit substances.

Over the past three months, the Ministry of Interior apprehended approximately 190 individuals of diverse nationalities involved in drug-related cases, charged with the promotion and trafficking of narcotics. These suspects were referred to the Public Prosecution, with numerous cases registered against them.

The most recent seizures, announced by the Ministry of Interior two days ago, involved the arrest of 16 defendants in 12 cases. The confiscated items included over 11 kilograms of various drugs, 2 kilograms of Lyrica powder, 3,200 psychotropic pills, 15 bottles of alcohol, marijuana seeds ready for cultivation, and four unlicensed weapons, along with proceeds from the sale.

Upon confrontation with the seized items, the accused admitted to possessing the items for the purpose of trafficking and abuse. They, along with the confiscated items, were referred to the competent authority to undergo necessary legal procedures.

The General Department of Security Relations and Media emphasized the ongoing commitment of criminal security personnel and all ministry sectors in combating drug dealers and promoters. Measures to tighten the siege on smugglers and drug dealers have been intensified, with continuous regional and international coordination to prevent drug smuggling at its source.

This news has been read 898 times!