Kuwait Foils Record KD150m Drug Operation, Seizes Huge Haul

Kuwait has stopped what authorities say is the biggest drug operation in the country’s history. Anti-narcotics officers seized around five tonnes of raw Lyrica powder and nearly four million capsules ready for sale. The total street value is estimated at about KD150 million, making it one of the largest narcotics seizures in Kuwait.

The operation was carried out by Kuwait’s anti-narcotics authorities and announced by Interior Minister and First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef Al Sabah. Officials also found a fully equipped facility used to manufacture Lyrica, including machines for filling and packing the capsules.

Authorities uncover Lyrica manufacturing facility

Lyrica is the brand name for pregabalin, a prescription medicine that can also be misused and sold illegally. The discovery of a full manufacturing site, along with large amounts of raw material and finished capsules, shows the scale of the operation stopped by Kuwaiti authorities.

Sheikh Fahad said the seizure shows how serious the threat was and how much the anti-narcotics teams were able to stop before it reached the market.

The minister made the announcement during the closing ceremony of a national anti-drug awareness campaign organised by Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs with support from government bodies, private companies and civil society groups.

Kuwait steps up anti-drug efforts

Sheikh Fahad said fighting drugs remains a top priority for the Interior Ministry. Authorities are increasing their efforts to track smugglers and dealers, improve surveillance and enforcement, and break up drug trafficking networks.

He also said Kuwait’s response is not only about arrests and seizures. The government is also focusing on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

As part of these efforts, Kuwait has set up a specialised centre to treat and rehabilitate women dealing with drug addiction. More centres are also being prepared to increase treatment capacity.

Families urged to seek help

The minister also encouraged families to ask for professional help when a relative has a drug problem. He said treatment programmes protect confidentiality and privacy, and that people who voluntarily seek treatment will not receive a criminal record simply for asking for help, subject to the relevant legal procedures and regulations.

Sheikh Fahad said the Interior Ministry will continue working with other government bodies to fight trafficking, disrupt supply networks and raise public awareness.

He described the fight against drugs as a shared national duty that needs both strong law enforcement and serious prevention and rehabilitation efforts.

The record seizure comes as Kuwait continues to strengthen its anti-drug campaign, with authorities now targeting both international smuggling networks and local distribution operations.