Parents Beware: 3 Arrested for Delivering E-Cigarettes to School Students Hidden in Food Orders

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 24: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has arrested three people accused of selling and delivering electronic cigarettes to high school students by concealing the products inside food orders, in an operation aimed at protecting minors from smoking.

The Criminal Security Sector, represented by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, launched an investigation after receiving information about the spread of electronic cigarettes among some high school students.

Investigations by the Capital Governorate Criminal Investigation Department led authorities to a grocery store allegedly used to receive, prepare and package orders in a way that concealed their actual contents.

After obtaining the necessary legal authorization, investigators arrested one suspect while he was delivering an order. Authorities subsequently raided the premises used to prepare the orders and arrested two other suspects, with the participation of judicial officers from Kuwait Municipality, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the suspects admitted their involvement in the activity. Two allegedly managed the grocery store, prepared orders and concealed electronic cigarettes inside food items to make financial gains. The third suspect allegedly delivered the orders while knowing what they contained.

The competent authorities issued the necessary violations, and the seized items were confiscated. The ministry said legal measures had been taken against the accused in preparation for referring them to the competent authority.

In a message to parents, the ministry warned that the case highlighted methods used to reach minors by exploiting the convenience of delivery services and concealing products among ordinary food items.

It urged parents to monitor their children's purchases and delivery orders, pay attention to the products they obtain from shops, and maintain open communication with them about the dangers of smoking.

The ministry reaffirmed that it would continue monitoring and arresting those who target minors through such practices, stressing that it would not tolerate attempts to exploit children or endanger their health and safety.

It also emphasized that protecting children was a shared responsibility, calling for continued cooperation between families and security agencies.