Farwaniya detectives have arrested a Sri Lankan driver accused of selling crystal meth while on the job, and seized KD 6,573 in financial transfers, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said.
The Criminal Investigation Department in Farwaniya Governorate acted on a tip that the man was selling narcotics in the area. Investigators then reviewed surveillance footage and, according to the ministry, found out that he was distributing drugs during work hours, using his driving job as cover.
The General Department of Criminal Investigation announced the arrest in a post on the MoI’s official Facebook page, which also covered a separate case unrelated to drugs.
What The Police Found
According to the report, the police found:
- Bags of crystal meth on the suspect
- More of the drug in his room, after he led officers to his residence
- KD 6,573 in financial transfers
The ministry said he admitted keeping the drugs to sell outside Kuwait. His employer was not named. The case still has to go through the legal process.
Five Arrests on October 6
In a separate news, the General Department for Drug Control also reported the arrest of five suspects in four separate cases on Oct. 6.
According to the reports, the police seized 5.1 kilograms of crystal meth, 230 sheets of synthetic cannabinoids and a precision scale. Names and nationalities were not released.
The Crackdown
The biggest operation came in late August, when authorities dismantled a pill-producing facility. The MoI called it the largest drug bust in Kuwait’s history. The haul was valued at KD 150 million (about $485 million) and reportedly included 5 tons of raw Lyrica powder and 4 million capsules. Also 194 expats of various nationalities were deported over drug possession and trafficking.
From September 1 to 30, Authorities logged 160 drug-related cases involving 205 suspects. In the same period, 194 expats of various nationalities were deported over drug possession and trafficking. September seizures alone have amounted to about 725,000 Lyrica pills, 244.62 kilograms of crystal meth, 14.495 kilograms of hashish and 5.159 kilograms of heroin.
Drugs Hidden in Paper
The MoI has also warned the public about the new way of smuggling prohibited drugs that they uncovered. They called it the “A4” smuggling, where ordinary sheets of paper are soaked in synthetic chemicals to avoid detection.
Important Reminders
Many families and businesses in Kuwait depend on drivers, house help and other hired workers. The MoI asked families and employers to keep an eye on the people they hire so that their jobs, or the homes where they work, are not used for crime. It also urged anyone who sees suspicious behavior to report it to the authorities.
Here are some safety precautions you can take:
- Never carry a parcel, package or pasalubong for anyone unless you know exactly what is inside, especially if you are flying in or out of Kuwait.
- Check your own luggage before heading to the airport.
OFWs who are unsure about an item, or who are asked to carry one, can check first with the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) or OWWA.
Who Handles Drug Cases in Kuwait
According to the MoI website, the General Directorate for Drug Control works on two fronts. On supply, it investigates crimes involving drugs, psychotropic substances and alcohol, tracks down suspects, and gathers evidence.
It does this together with local and international authorities and other MoI departments. On demand, it works with other agencies to study the problem and limit its spread. Part of that effort is awareness programs aimed at both citizens and residents.
To report a drug-related crime, you may call the MoI’s emergency number, 1884141. The ministry says calls are treated with complete confidentiality.