The prohibition on alcohol in Kuwait has once again proven deadly, as a clandestine operation producing dangerous drinks has led to mass poisoning. The Interior Ministry confirmed that a network responsible for manufacturing and distributing toxic methanol-based beverages has been broken up, with 23 fatalities now linked to the consumption of these illicit products.
Authorities announced the arrest of 67 individuals on charges of producing and selling what they termed “poisoned methanol” concoctions. The group included a Nepalese man caught with methanol, an Indian national, and a Bangladeshi man believed to be the mastermind behind the enterprise. No Kuwaiti citizens were mentioned among those detained.
Raids conducted across both residential and industrial zones uncovered six illegal production facilities and four additional sites used for distribution. During these operations, law enforcement also apprehended 34 people wanted for other offenses unrelated to the alcohol case.
The surge in deaths prompted swift action, with the Health Ministry reporting that the death toll spiked from 13 on August 13 to 23 just a day later. Overall, 160 cases of poisoning have been documented, including 51 victims requiring kidney dialysis, 21 suffering vision damage or complete loss, and 31 placed on ventilators.
With alcohol banned under Kuwaiti law, the black market thrives on unregulated, dangerous substitutes produced in hidden operations lacking any safety controls. The recent tragedy underscores the risks posed by this underground trade.