Interior Ministry Reveals Details of the Largest 'Lariqa' Bust in Kuwait's History
- Seizure of approximately 5 tons of "Larica" powder and nearly 4 million capsules ready for distribution, valued at 150 million dinars
- Arrest of five suspects and seizure of three sites, one of which was a factory equipped with an industrial machine for manufacturing and filling capsules
- Al-Yousef: The new anti-narcotics law has strengthened deterrence and become a source of fear for drug traffickers
The Criminal Security Sector, represented by the General Administration for Combating Narcotics, under the direct supervision of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, thwarted the largest operation of its kind in the history of the State of Kuwait for the manufacture and distribution of the psychoactive substance "Larica." Five suspects were arrested, including three Kuwaiti nationals and two individuals holding Jordanian and Egyptian citizenship, who were involved in managing a factory for manufacturing and preparing "Larica" capsules for distribution.
The Ministry of Interior stated in a press release that intensive security investigations and careful monitoring revealed that the suspects used three sites. Two of these sites were designated for storing raw "Larica" powder and ready-made capsules, while the third site was converted into a factory equipped with a large industrial machine for manufacturing capsules of the type used in pharmaceutical factories, along with machines and equipment dedicated to filling and packaging to make them appear as original pharmaceutical products issued by licensed companies.
Security services
Security and judiciary
The inspections resulted in the seizure of approximately 5 tons of raw "Larica" powder, nearly 4 million capsules ready for distribution, a large industrial machine for manufacturing and filling capsules, complete machines and tools for packaging and preparation, cash sums, and a firearm (pistol).
The ministry noted that the total market value of all seized items is estimated at approximately 150 million Kuwaiti dinars.
It was mentioned that preliminary 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 serves as a clear indication that the legislation has 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 actions against them, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend anyone proven to be involved in the case.
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, emphasized 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 stressed that the Ministry of Interior is committed to applying the law with firmness and continuing its efforts to protect society and safeguard the security and stability of the nation.
