Interior Ministry steps up drug fight with strong backing of H.H. the Amir
- First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah has credited the strong support and close follow-up of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for strengthening Kuwait’s efforts to combat drug trafficking, following the Interior Ministry’s seizure of the largest quantity of drugs in the country’s history.
The Ministry of Interior’s success in thwarting the largest drug seizure in Kuwait’s history reflects the high level of security readiness and the strong support and close follow-up of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah said.
Al-Yousef said the Amir’s continued support and encouragement provide a strong incentive for Ministry of Interior personnel to intensify their efforts to protect Kuwait’s security and stability.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the national media awareness campaign “A Nation That Protects You,”
Al-Yousef announced that authorities had seized nearly five tons of raw Lyrica powder and about four million capsules prepared for sale, with an estimated market value of 150 million dinars ($485.9 million). The operation also uncovered a complete factory for producing the psychoactive substance, along with equipment used to fill and package the capsules.
Amir follows ministry’s work closely
Al-Yousef praised Interior Ministry personnel for their round-the-clock efforts, saying the achievements made in combating drugs were the result of their vigilance as well as the “absolute support and diligent follow-up” of the H.H. the Amir.
He said H.H. the Amir follows the ministry’s work “from the smallest to the largest” and provides the support and encouragement needed in matters concerning the ministry. According to Al-Yousef, the leadership’s backing has encouraged security personnel to step up their efforts in confronting drug traffickers and protecting citizens and residents.
New law strengthens deterrence
Al-Yousef also credited the government and the new drug law with strengthening Kuwait’s anti-narcotics system and increasing deterrence against traffickers. He said the seized drugs were ready for distribution and recounted asking the accused why he had not begun selling them. The response, he said, was: “I am afraid.”
The minister said the accused had been involved in the activity for eight years but stopped after the new law was introduced because of fear of being caught and prosecuted.
Campaign promotes shared responsibility
Al-Yousef said the “A Nation That Protects You” campaign went beyond public awareness, presenting a national message that protecting Kuwait’s children is a shared responsibility involving government institutions, families and society.
He said combating drugs remains a top priority for the Interior Ministry, which is continuing efforts to pursue smugglers and dealers, tighten enforcement, cut off supply sources and strengthen prevention and awareness programs. He stressed that protecting young people must begin before drugs reach them.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Al-Yousef said the fight against drugs also includes treatment and rehabilitation, stressing that people struggling with addiction should be given an opportunity to recover and return to their families and communities.
He said an integrated wing has been allocated for the treatment and rehabilitation of female addicts, while additional specialized facilities for male addicts are being prepared. Treatment is provided confidentially, he said, with the identities of those seeking help protected. Under applicable legal procedures, seeking treatment does not result in a criminal record for drug users.
He urged families to seek help when needed and cooperate with the authorities, stressing that addiction is a disease that can be treated. Al-Yousef also said inmates in correctional facilities who prove that they have recovered from addiction may be included in a generous Amiri pardon before completing their prison terms, subject to the applicable requirements.
Government, private sector join efforts
The minister praised the Ministry of Social Affairs, headed by Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwayla, for sponsoring the awareness campaign and working with the ministries of Interior, Health and Justice to support families and facilitate treatment.
He also highlighted the contribution of private companies to the state’s anti-drug efforts, including support for specialized treatment and rehabilitation centers. Kuwait also maintains strong international cooperation in combating drugs, Al-Yousef said, noting that drug trafficking is a transnational problem requiring coordination among countries.
Anti-drug campaign to continue
Al-Yousef said the Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with other state institutions, would continue pursuing smugglers and dealers, cutting off their sources and raising public awareness of the dangers of drugs.
He described the campaign as the product of cooperation among government bodies, civil society and the private sector, saying Kuwait is working as one team to confront the problem and protect society.
