Two Indians get death penalty in Kuwait for drug trafficking

Court finds men guilty of trafficking large quantities of drugs

Last updated:
1 MIN READ
Stock court justice judge
Shutterstock

Dubai: A criminal court in Kuwait has sentenced two Indian nationals to death after convicting them of trafficking large quantities of narcotics, following their arrest with heroin and methamphetamine intended for distribution inside the country.

The two men were earlier detained in the Kaifan and Shuwaikh areas, where authorities seized 14 kilograms of heroin and 8 kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as shabu, along with two electronic weighing scales.

The ruling was issued by the Criminal Court, presided over by Judge Khaled Al Tahous, after prosecutors proved that the defendants were members of an international drug trafficking network operating from outside Kuwait. The drugs were recovered during coordinated security operations carried out in residential neighbourhoods, according to Al Qabas Arabic daily.

The case stemmed from an operation announced earlier by the Ministry of Interior, which said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and dismantle transnational criminal networks. The operation was conducted by the General Directorate for Drug Control under the Criminal Security Sector.

The ministry said intelligence gathering and close surveillance led investigators to the suspects, who were found in possession of narcotics prepared for commercial distribution. Officials described the seizure as a significant blow to organised drug trafficking.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. The verdict underscores Kuwait’s strict stance on drug-related crimes, which carry the most severe penalties under national law.

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public.​ Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox