KUWAIT: Kuwaiti authorities have arrested 67 individuals linked to the production and distribution of illicit alcoholic drinks that resulted in 23 fatalities in recent days. According to the Interior Ministry, the operation uncovered six operational factories and identified four additional sites in residential and industrial areas that were not yet active. Among the arrested suspects is a Bangladeshi national alleged to be the mastermind behind the network. The large-scale crackdown follows growing concerns over public health and safety, as the illicit trade exploited gaps in surveillance to operate discreetly within local communities.
Investigations revealed that methanol, a toxic industrial chemical, was used in producing the deadly alcohol. This substance, often found in household and industrial products, is highly dangerous when ingested and can lead to severe poisoning or death. A Nepali member of the criminal network reportedly detailed the process of mixing and selling the methanol-based concoction, shedding light on how the group managed to distribute the drinks without detection. These findings underscore the organized nature of the operation and the deliberate risks taken by those involved in the illegal trade.
The Ministry of Health confirmed on Thursday that methanol poisoning cases linked to the tainted liquor had risen to 160, including 23 deaths, most of whom were Asian nationals. Among the affected, 51 patients required emergency kidney dialysis, while 31 others were placed on mechanical ventilation. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait also reported that around 40 Indian nationals were hospitalized, with some in critical condition. The scale of medical emergencies has placed immense strain on healthcare facilities, prompting urgent government warnings about the dangers of consuming illicit alcohol.
Methanol poisoning symptoms often appear after a delay, making the situation more severe as individuals fail to seek immediate treatment. Initial signs include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hyperventilation, and respiratory distress. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to alcohol production or sale. This incident has raised alarm about the broader risks of counterfeit products and the necessity for stringent measures to curb the underground alcohol market in Kuwait.
