Kuwait Cracks Down on Illegal Alcohol Production After Fatal Poisonings

Kuwaiti authorities have launched a major crackdown, arresting 67 people linked to the illegal production and distribution of deadly alcoholic beverages that have claimed 23 lives in recent days, according to the Interior Ministry. Kuwait maintains a strict ban on importing or producing alcohol domestically, yet clandestine operations continue risking lives.

The Interior Ministry's statement disclosed seizing six operational factories and preventing another four from becoming functional in residential and industrial zones. The Health Ministry reported that methanol poisoning cases linked to the tainted drinks have surged to 160, with a majority of the fatalities among Asian nationals.

Authorities have apprehended the alleged ringleader, a Bangladeshi national, while a Nepali suspect provided detailed accounts of methanol production and distribution methods, highlighting the illicit network's risks. (Reported by Ahmed Hagagy; Edited by Kirsten Donovan)

(With inputs from agencies.)