In Video: Largest Drug Seizure Worth 150 Million in Kuwait

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, announced the largest drug seizure in the history of the State of Kuwait, amounting to approximately five tons of raw “Lekira” powder and nearly four million ready-to-sell capsules, with an estimated total market value of around 150 million dinars. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the “A Nation Protects You” campaign, which he sponsored and attended, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef stated that the seizure included a fully integrated facility for producing the psychoactive substance “Lekira,” along with equipment for filling and packaging the capsules. He emphasized that the achievements made by the Ministry of Interior’s personnel in combating the scourge of drugs are due to the unwavering support and diligent follow-up of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad. He stressed that His Highness’s continuous support and constant encouragement serve as a strong motivation for the ministry’s staff to redouble their efforts and fulfill their duty to protect the nation. Regarding the law on illegal residents, Al-Yousef said the legislation will be issued once it is finalized, noting that the government is working diligently on this file. For further details: During his sponsorship and attendance at the closing ceremony of the “A Nation Protects You” campaign, it was revealed that the seizure comprised approximately five tons of raw “Lekira” powder and nearly four million capsules ready for sale. The First Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the seizure of the largest quantity of drugs in Kuwait’s history, valued at 150 million dinars.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousif, announced the seizure of the largest quantity of narcotics in the history of the State of Kuwait, amounting to approximately five tons of raw “Lyrica” powder and nearly four million capsules ready for sale, with an estimated total market value of around 150 million dinars.

This announcement came during a speech delivered by Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousif while presiding over and attending the closing ceremony of the comprehensive national media awareness campaign to prevent the scourge of drug addiction, titled “A Nation That Protects You.” The campaign was organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs at the Four Seasons Hotel, with the participation of various government, civil society, and private entities.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousif stated that the seizure, which took place on Tuesday, also included a fully integrated factory for producing the psychoactive substance “Lyrica,” as well as equipment for filling and packaging the capsules. He emphasized that this reflects the magnitude of the threat thwarted by the vigilance of anti-narcotics officers and the security efforts undertaken to confront this scourge.

He added that the campaign was not merely an awareness activity but a sincere national message with the core principle that the children of Kuwait are a trust and their protection is the responsibility of everyone. He clarified that the danger of drugs is not limited to a specific individual but threatens the family, society, and the future of the nation.

He affirmed that combating drug addiction is a top priority for the Ministry of Interior, which continues to confront smugglers and traffickers, tighten control and seizure procedures, and dry up the sources of this scourge, alongside enhancing prevention and awareness programs. This approach is rooted in the belief that protecting children begins before drugs reach them.

He stressed the importance of partnership and integration among all relevant authorities, pointing to the pivotal role of the Ministry of Health in treating and rehabilitating those recovering from addiction, and the contribution of the Ministry of Social Affairs in supporting families, raising awareness among parents, and strengthening social protection, alongside the efforts of other ministries and institutions.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousif clarified that the confrontation is not limited to seizing narcotics and pursuing smugglers and traffickers, but also includes treatment and rehabilitation as an essential part of the strategy. He emphasized that those who fall into addiction need a genuine opportunity to return to their lives, families, and society.

He noted that a fully integrated wing for the treatment and rehabilitation of female addicts has been designated, considered one of the most modern equipped wings providing necessary care according to advanced therapeutic and rehabilitative methods. Meanwhile, other comprehensive and specialized sites are currently being prepared for the treatment and rehabilitation of male addicts, enhancing the treatment system and expanding its capacity to accommodate cases.

He explained that the goal is not limited to preventing drugs from reaching members of society, but also includes saving those who have fallen victim to them and helping them recover and return to society as healthy and productive individuals.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousif called on parents to take the initiative and not hesitate to seek help and treatment when needed. He pointed out that the state has provided treatment pathways that guarantee confidentiality and privacy, and that according to legal procedures and regulations, applying for treatment does not result in a criminal record for the user.

He affirmed that the Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with all state institutions, will continue its efforts with firmness to confront the drug scourge, pursue smugglers and traffickers, dry up its sources, and raise awareness of its dangers. He stressed that confronting it is a shared national responsibility aimed at protecting children and preserving Kuwait’s security and stability.

In statements to journalists, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousif, confirmed that the new Drugs Law has contributed to enhancing deterrence, becoming a source of fear for drug dealers and making them think twice before attempting to harm any citizen or resident on Kuwaiti soil. He noted that the suspect had been conducting his activities for about eight years but stopped marketing the quantity after the law was issued.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousif said that the quantity seized in the largest drug bust in the country’s history was ready for marketing, but the suspect refrained from distributing it out of fear of falling under the new law. He added that what was achieved came by the grace of God Almighty, followed by the efforts of the government and the issuance of the new law, which strengthened the anti-drug system and deterred traffickers.

He affirmed that the achievements made by Ministry of Interior officers in confronting the drug scourge are due to the absolute support and persistent follow-up of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad. He emphasized that His Highness’s continuous support and constant encouragement serve as a motivation for the Ministry’s staff to double their efforts and fulfill their duty to protect the nation and safeguard its security and stability.

He mentioned that the next phase will witness increased cooperation and joint efforts to confront drugs, affirming that the success of the “A Nation That Protects You” campaign resulted from the combined efforts of various state entities.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousif expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Social Affairs, headed by Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, for sponsoring the campaign from its launch until its conclusion and for its contributions in cooperation with the Ministries of Interior, Health, and Justice to support the families of users and help them treat their children.

He affirmed that the State of Kuwait, through its various government institutions and the private sector, is working with a team spirit to eradicate the drug scourge, noting that specialized sites for the treatment and rehabilitation of addicts are being established and equipped.

He clarified that addiction cases are treated with complete confidentiality, without disclosing the names of those applying for treatment or registering cases against them, calling on families to cooperate with competent authorities and not hesitate to seek help to protect their children. He said, “This is a sincere appeal from a father who has children and grandchildren. Let us all cooperate, because we do not want our children or grandchildren to fall victim to this scourge.”

He added that addiction is a disease like any other, and it has a treatment that requires the integration of the roles of the Ministries of Interior, Justice, and Health. He explained that inmates in correctional institutions who are users are also subjected to treatment and rehabilitation programs within prisons.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior said, “Those among them who prove their recovery from this scourge may be covered by a gracious Amir’s pardon before the end of their prison sentence, provided that recovery is proven.”

He confirmed the existence of a large hospital for addiction treatment affiliated with the cooperatives, currently designated for men, and mentioned that other projects are planned for women, noting that the number of female addicts is limited compared to the number of male addicts.

Regarding the law on illegal residents, Al-Yousif said that everything will be issued in due course, and that preparing and publishing laws is not an easy matter. He affirmed that the law will be issued when it is ready, and that the government is working tirelessly on this file.

On coordination with neighboring countries to confront drug smuggling, he confirmed the existence of significant cooperation, without naming specific countries, explaining that every country facing this scourge seeks cooperation and assistance from its neighbors. He added that drugs are transported from distant countries to countries neighboring Kuwait, and then smuggled into the country, affirming the continuation of existing cooperation to confront smuggling operations.