Kuwait foils cigarette smuggling attempt at Nuwaiseeb border
. . . Gulf national in police custody
The General Department of Criminal Investigation, through its Land Border Investigations Department, has foiled an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of cigarettes out of Kuwait via the Nuwaiseeb border crossing, arresting a Gulf national involved in the operation.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, the case began when the suspect attempted to leave the country, prompting routine inspection procedures at the border checkpoint. Authorities discovered 210 cartons of cigarettes carefully concealed within the structural compartments of the vehicle used in the smuggling attempt.
Investigations also revealed that the suspect had initially escaped from the customs checkpoint earlier the same day before later returning and surrendering himself at the port during the evening hours.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to purchasing the cigarettes in advance in coordination with two individuals from the Indian and Syrian communities. He stated that the goods were received at an open area in Al-Wafra, before being transported and hidden inside the vehicle in preparation for illegal export and resale for profit, reports Al-Rai daily.
Authorities confirmed that all necessary legal procedures have been initiated against the suspect. The vehicle used in the smuggling operation has been confiscated and sealed in accordance with established legal protocols.
