3 tons of narcotics, 10 million pills seized in 2025 as deterrence tightens

Director General of the Directorate-General for Drug Control, Brigadier General Mohammed Qabazard, confirmed that the implementation of the new anti-drug law has yielded positive and measurable results, noting a decline in drug activity, stronger deterrence against dealers and smugglers, and an increasing number of addicts seeking treatment.

Speaking at a seminar titled “Chemically Synthetic Drugs: The Hidden Enemy in Societies,” organized by the Kuwaiti Chemical Society on Sunday evening, Qabazard reviewed the achievements of the Drug Control Directorate during 2025.

He said intensive security efforts led to the registration of 3,039 drug cases and the arrest of 3,871 suspects, all of whom were referred to the Drug Prosecution. Authorities also seized around three tons of various narcotics and nearly 10 million psychotropic pills. In addition, 1,197 expatriates were deported in the public interest for assisting drug dealers and users, reports Al-Rai daily.

Qabazard explained that these results were achieved through an integrated security system based on monitoring, analysis, and field enforcement. He noted that since the enforcement of the new law, there has been a noticeable deterrent effect on traffickers, along with a rise in voluntary addiction reports.

“Over the past two weeks, we have dealt with several cases and admitted addicts to the treatment hospital. Since the beginning of the year, around 150 reports have been handled and the individuals admitted for treatment,” he said.

He stressed that the title of the seminar reflects the scale of the security challenge posed by chemically manufactured drugs, which are among the most dangerous due to their rapid spread, constantly changing composition, and direct targeting of youth.

He added that Kuwait has taken a major legislative step with the implementation of Law No. 159 of 2025 on combating drugs and psychotropic substances, which has strengthened deterrence, reduced drug spread—particularly synthetic drugs—and provided authorities with more effective legal tools.

Qabazard warned that organized criminal networks are using sophisticated methods and modern technologies in manufacturing, smuggling, and distribution.

He said the Drug Control Directorate remains on high alert, continuously developing the capabilities of its personnel, enhancing training, and intensifying awareness campaigns as prevention remains the first line of defense.

He called on all official bodies, civil associations, and institutions to cooperate in awareness initiatives, stressing that the General Administration for Drug Control will remain vigilant in protecting society. He also urged families to closely monitor their children and to report any signs of drug use through the 24-hour hotline 1884141.

For his part, Head of the Kuwaiti Chemical Society, Haif Al-Hajraf, said the danger of manufactured drugs lies not only in their health, psychological, and social impact, but also in the ease with which they are produced and circulated among young people. He expressed hope that the seminar would lead to scientific recommendations that enhance awareness and strengthen preventive efforts.