Interior Ministry Reveals Details of Kuwait's Largest Drug Bust in History
Under the direct supervision of His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Saud Al-Sabah, the Criminal Security Sector, represented by the General Directorate for Combating Narcotics, thwarted the largest operation of its kind in the history of the State of Kuwait for the manufacture and trafficking of “Larica,” a psychoactive substance. Five suspects were arrested, including three Kuwaiti nationals and two individuals holding Jordanian and Egyptian citizenship, who were involved in running a factory for pressing Larica psychoactive capsules and preparing them for distribution.
The arrest followed intensive security investigations and meticulous monitoring that revealed the suspects used three locations. Two sites were designated for storing raw Larica powder and ready-made capsules, while the third was converted into a factory equipped with large-scale industrial machinery for manufacturing capsules of the type used in pharmaceutical plants, along with equipment dedicated to packaging and labeling to make them appear as genuine pharmaceutical products issued by licensed companies.
Inspections yielded approximately five tons of raw Larica powder, nearly four million ready-to-distribute capsules, large-scale industrial machinery for manufacturing and filling capsules, and complete packaging and preparation equipment. Additionally, cash sums and a firearm (pistol) were seized. The total market value of all confiscated items is estimated at around 150 million Kuwaiti dinars.
Initial investigations revealed that one of the suspects confessed to refraining from distributing the seized quantity and limiting himself to storing it, out of fear of the severe penalties stipulated by the new Anti-Narcotics Law. This clearly indicates that the legislation has already achieved its deterrent effect before these toxins reached the hands of users.
The suspects and seized items were referred to the competent authorities to take the necessary legal action against them, and efforts are underway to arrest anyone proven to be involved in this case. His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Saud Al-Sabah, affirmed that the new Anti-Narcotics Law has contributed to strengthening the deterrence system and has become a source of fear for drug traffickers, prompting them to think carefully before attempting to smuggle or distribute drugs. He emphasized that the Ministry of Interior remains committed to applying the law with firmness and continuing its efforts to protect society and safeguard the security and stability of the nation.
