Pilot, doctor arrested in Kuwait airport after ammunition found in luggage

Investigators uncover 500 unlicenced rounds of ammunition, alcohol in pilot's home

Last updated: July 27, 2025 | 12:40

1 MIN READ

Passengers queue at the check-in counters prior to their departure at Kuwait International Airport in Kuwait City on July 15, 2021.

AFP

Dubai: Kuwaiti authorities have arrested a pilot and a doctor employed by a local airline after customs officers at Kuwait International Airport discovered 64 rounds of ammunition in the doctor’s luggage, the Ministry of Interior said.

Security officials said the doctor, a Pakistani national, admitted during questioning that the ammunition had been supplied by a Kuwaiti pilot. Acting on the tip, security forces arrested the pilot at the airport. During interrogation, he corroborated the doctor’s account.

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A search warrant was subsequently executed on the pilot’s home and vehicle, where investigators uncovered a cache of 500 unlicenced rounds of ammunition, 87 bottles of alcohol, and equipment allegedly used to produce liquor, according to the ministry. The two suspects have been referred to the public prosecution for legal proceedings.

The arrests came as part of a broader nationwide crackdown on law violations. Authorities said 192 wanted individuals and violators have been detained in recent days under the directives of Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

Khitam Al Amir

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.

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