Kuwaiti authorities have dismantled a network accused of producing and distributing toxic methanol-based alcoholic drinks that have killed 23 people, the Interior Ministry said.
According to the ministry, 67 people were arrested for allegedly making and selling what it described as “poisoned methanol” drinks. Among those detained were a Nepalese man found with methanol, an Indian national and a Bangladeshi man identified as the suspected ringleader. The ministry did not say whether any Kuwaiti citizens were involved.
Police seized six illegal alcohol production sites and four facilities operating in both residential and industrial areas. An additional 34 people wanted in unrelated cases were also arrested during the raids.
The crackdown came after a surge in fatalities linked to the drinks, with the death toll climbing from 13 on August 13 to 23 the next day, according to the Health Ministry. In total, 160 poisoning cases have been recorded, including 51 people requiring kidney dialysis, 21 with vision loss or impairment, and 31 placed on ventilators.
Alcohol is banned in Kuwait, where production, sale and consumption are illegal. The prohibition has fueled a black market in unregulated drinks made in secret facilities without safety standards.
