Interior Ministry: Seizure of a fully equipped factory producing Lyrica capsules
The Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of five suspects who used three sites to operate an integrated factory for the production, processing, and storage of Lyrica capsules, a psychoactive substance. In a statement, the ministry confirmed that those involved were three Kuwaiti nationals, one Asian, and one African, who were implicated in managing the factory, preparing the narcotic capsules, and storing them in preparation for distribution.
The operation was conducted under the direct supervision of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousif, following intensive security investigations and meticulous monitoring that revealed the suspects had designated three locations. Two of these sites 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, along with specialized machinery for packaging and labeling to make the products appear as genuine pharmaceuticals issued by licensed companies.
The statement clarified 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 capsule manufacturing and filling, and complete sets of packaging and processing equipment, along with cash and a firearm (pistol).
Initial 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 stringent penalties stipulated by the new Anti-Narcotics Law, a clear indication that the legislation has achieved its deterrent effect before these toxins could reach users.
The suspects and seized items were referred to the competent authorities to take the necessary legal actions, and efforts are underway to apprehend anyone proven to be involved in the case. The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousif, emphasized that the new Anti-Narcotics Law has strengthened 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 remains committed to enforcing the law with firmness and continuing its efforts to protect society and safeguard the nation’s security and stability.
Earlier, the First Deputy Prime Minister announced the largest drug seizure in Kuwait’s history, involving approximately five tons of raw Lyrica powder and nearly four million ready-to-sell capsules, with an estimated total market value of around 150 million Kuwaiti dinars (approximately $485.9 million).
