(Ministry of Interior): Five suspects arrested for manufacturing, preparing, and storing Lyrica capsules at three locations
Kuwait City, Aug 26 (KUNA) — The Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday the arrest of five suspects who used three locations to operate an integrated facility for the production, processing, and storage of capsules containing Lyrica, a psychoactive substance.
In a statement, the ministry confirmed that the arrested individuals included three Kuwaiti nationals, one of Asian nationality, and one of African nationality. They were involved in managing the facility, preparing the narcotic capsules, and storing them with the aim of distributing them.
The operation was conducted under the direct supervision of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Saud Al-Sabah, following intensive security investigations and meticulous monitoring that revealed the suspects had designated three sites. Two of these locations were used to store raw Lyrica powder and ready-made capsules.
The third site was a factory equipped with a large industrial machine for manufacturing capsules of the type used in pharmaceutical plants, alongside specialized machines for packaging and labeling to make the products appear as genuine pharmaceuticals issued by licensed companies.
The statement noted that inspection operations resulted in the seizure of approximately five tons of raw Lyrica powder, nearly four million ready-to-distribute capsules, a large industrial machine for manufacturing and filling capsules, and complete equipment and tools for packaging and preparation, along with cash and a firearm (pistol).
Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects confessed to refraining from distributing the seized quantity, opting instead to store it out of fear of the severe penalties stipulated by the new Anti-Narcotics Law, clearly indicating that the legislation has achieved its deterrent effect before these toxins could reach users.
The suspects and seized items have been referred to the competent authorities to take the necessary legal actions against them, and efforts are underway to arrest anyone proven to be involved in the case.
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Saud Al-Sabah, emphasized that the new Anti-Narcotics Law has contributed to strengthening the deterrence system, becoming a source of fear for drug traffickers and prompting them to think twice before attempting to smuggle or distribute drugs. He stressed that the Ministry of Interior is committed to applying the law with firmness and continuing its efforts to protect society and safeguard the country’s security and stability.
Earlier on the same day, the First Deputy Prime Minister announced the thwarting of the largest drug seizure in Kuwait’s history, involving 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 Kuwaiti dinars (approximately $485.9 million). (End) H.M.D. / A.J.R. / T.A.B.
