Kuwait’s anti-narcotics officers have arrested six suspects in four separate cases involving controlled substances allegedly intended for both distribution and personal use.
Authorities seized about 1.7 kilograms of various banned substances including 1,000 grams of marijuana, 360 grams of methamphetamine, 170 grams of hashish, and 150 grams of cocaine. Officers also recovered a liter of suspected chemical liquid, chemical-treated paper, four precision scales, empty packaging bags, and cash believed to be linked to illegal sales
The General Directorate for Drug Control announced the arrests as well as the details of the arrests through a post on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Interior of Kuwait. The announcement also said that the arrested suspects and seized items were referred to the competent authority for legal action. The ministry also described the operations as part of its continuing campaign against drug trafficking.
Recent Arrests
Days before the latest announcement, Farwaniya detectives arrested a Sri Lankan driver accused of selling crystal meth while on duty. Police said they seized KD 6,573 in financial transfers, along with crystal meth found on the suspect and at his residence. Investigators said the man allegedly used his driving job to distribute drugs during work hours. The case remains subject to legal proceedings.
On October 6, the General Department for Drug Control also reported five arrests in four cases. Authorities said they seized 5.1 kilograms of crystal meth, 230 sheets of synthetic cannabinoids, and a precision scale. The suspects’ names and nationalities were not released.
These recent arrests follow several larger operations. In late August, authorities said they dismantled a facility producing illicit pills, calling it Kuwait’s biggest drug bust. The operation reportedly involved five tons of raw Lyrica powder and four million capsules, valued at KD 150 million.
From September 1 to 30, authorities recorded 160 drug-related cases involving 205 suspects. Seizures included about 725,000 Lyrica pills, 244.62 kilograms of crystal meth, 14.495 kilograms of hashish, and 5.159 kilograms of heroin. The Interior Ministry also said 194 expatriates were deported over drug possession and trafficking.
Tougher Penalties Now in Force
Kuwait’s Decree-Law No. 159 of 2025, which took effect on December 15, 2025, consolidated the country’s narcotics and psychotropic substances laws into one framework.
- Major trafficking, smuggling, illicit production, and cultivation for trade can carry the death penalty or life imprisonment, with fines of up to KD 2 million.
- Possession for trade, promotion, or distribution can also bring death or life imprisonment, plus fines of KD 50,000 to KD 500,000.
- Leading an international trafficking network may carry the death penalty, while joining a trafficking ring can result in life imprisonment.
Penalties can increase when offenses occur near schools, mosques, gyms, prisons, police stations, or rehabilitation centers, or when they involve minors, coercion, planted evidence, or abuse of public office to support smuggling networks.
The announcement confirms the arrests and seizures but does not establish guilt. The suspects remain subject to the legal process.
How to Report
The MoI continues to urge the public to report suspected drug activity by calling 1884141. All calls are treated confidentially, they said.