Kuwait shuts down 10 methanol factories after 23 deaths, 67 suspects held

Dubai: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has dismantled a criminal network accused of producing and distributing toxic methanol that has left a least 23 people dead and more than 160 others hospitalised, most of them Asian workers, the state-run Kuwait News Agency Kuna reported.

Nationwide security operations led to the arrest of 67 suspects and the discovery of 10 illicit factories operating in residential and industrial areas, the ministry said.

The crackdown began when investigators arrested an Asian national in Salmiya with large quantities of methanol. He later described how the substance was prepared and sold, according to the ministry.

Two more Asian nationals were detained in connection with the manufacturing and distribution, along with the alleged ringleader of the network, also of Asian nationality.

Officials said intensified raids not only uncovered the factories but also led to the arrest of 34 other individuals wanted in unrelated cases.

 The Ministry of Health confirmed that 160 people have been treated for methanol poisoning in recent days.

Symptoms ranged from mild to severe, with 31 patients placed on ventilators and 51 requiring emergency kidney dialysis. Some 21 survivors have suffered permanent blindness or impaired vision.

The Indian Embassy, whose nationals are among the most severely affected, said about 40 Indian citizens remain hospitalised, some in critical condition.

 Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika and senior officials visited government hospitals to check on patients and pledged “all possible and necessary assistance.” The embassy also set up a hotline (65501587) for families seeking information.

The Interior Ministry warned that methanol poses an acute threat to public health and can cause immediate death. It vowed zero tolerance toward those who endanger lives, promising to intensify efforts to stamp out the trade in alcohol, narcotics and other harmful substances.