Dubai: There has been an increase in the number of Indians arrested in cases of alleged drug possession in Kuwait, with more than 60 per cent being held in Kuwait’s Central Jail, according to an official statement.
“More than 60 per cent of total Indian nationals under detention and serving sentences in [the] Central jail of Kuwait are in cases relating to drugs and narcotics. Anyone caught with drugs in Kuwait has to abide by the legal system of the country and the role of [the] Embassy is restricted to [a] minimum,” according to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Kuwait.
“The punishment under the Kuwaiti laws for violation of drug-related crimes is often very severe and may lead to life imprisonment or even execution,” it added.
“Bail in such cases is usually not given and one has to spend several months in detention while the case progresses through the judicial system,” the statement said.
More than 800,000 Indians live in Kuwait, according to data from the Indian embassy.
The embassy has asked Indians to abide by the rules regarding drug laws in Kuwait. It also asked travellers to remain alert so that drug dealers are prevented from hiding drugs in people’s luggage at the airport.
It has also asked Indians to specially be cautious about club drugs, illegal substances and designer drugs such as antidepressants, barbiturates, cannabis, hallucinogens, inhalants, and narcotics such as marijuana, morphine, cocaine, heroin, dry ice, LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), and amphetamines (speed).
The guidelines also call on travellers to get their luggage sealed at airports and to never leave it unattended. Most importantly travellers are told to never carry a parcel on behalf of another person without checking its contents.
“One should strictly avoid accepting any such packet or gift from strangers at the airport or with a person you develop a friendship during travel. These things may contain narcotics or prohibited medicines, which will result in arrest and punishment in Kuwait,” the embassy said.
