Massive drug bust: UAE and Kuwait seize 110kg narcotics shipment

Dubai: The UAE and Kuwait have successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of narcotics by sea, seizing more than 100 kilograms of crystal meth (shabu) and 10 kilograms of heroin. The haul, with an estimated street value of KD 1.15 million (approximately $3.7 million), marks a significant blow to an international drug trafficking network.

The seizure was announced late Wednesday by the UAE’s Ministry of Interior on the social media platform X. In a statement, the ministry hailed the success of the joint effort, saying:

“With pride, we affirm that this cooperation between the UAE Ministry of Interior and its Kuwaiti counterpart embodies a shared vision in combating the scourge of drugs. It reinforces mutual trust between brothers in protecting our societies.”

The Ministry added: “We value the commendation of Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah and reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the channels of information exchange and joint coordination to protect our homelands from all threats.”

The operation was initiated following intelligence gathered through close coordination between the two ministries, which indicated the arrival of a maritime shipping container carrying illicit substances. A detailed plan was then put in place to track the container and arrest those involved.

Upon arrival at Kuwait’s Shuwaikh Port, customs authorities—working closely with the Ministry of Interior—allowed the container to exit under surveillance. The container was monitored until it reached its final destination in the industrial area of Amghara, where an Afghan national was apprehended while receiving the shipment. 

The operation also included support from Kuwait’s General Directorate of Fire Services, which provided technical assistance in safely opening and inspecting the container.

Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah, extended his “sincere thanks and appreciation” to Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, for what he described as “fruitful cooperation and vital intelligence contributions” that ensured the success of the operation. 

This high-profile drug bust is the latest in a series of intensified joint efforts across the Gulf to combat narcotics trafficking. The region is often used as a transit corridor for drugs destined for markets in Europe, Asia, and beyond.