Authorities in Kuwait reported the interception of a shipment of Captagon pills concealed in bags of onions imported from Lebanon. The consignment, weighing 85kg, was transported by sea and registered as food parcels.
Kuwait's Interior Ministry stated that the drugs were "professionally hidden." The intended recipient, a citizen of a Gulf country, was arrested following an ambush.
Lebanon's internal security forces confirmed that the suspected sender was arrested in Lebanon. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to limit drug trafficking routes linking Lebanon, Syria, and Gulf markets.
© Kuwaiti Interior Ministry
Joint police operations between Kuwait and Lebanon are limited. However, authorities from both countries coordinated in this case. Officials also indicated that a Syrian anti-drug unit was involved in the operation, with the two suspects described as "the mastermind and his accomplice."
Captagon, a form of amphetamine, has been widely distributed across the Middle East. Production expanded during Syria's civil war, with trafficking routes often passing through Lebanon.
Lebanese authorities have increased enforcement actions, including shutting down Captagon laboratories following intelligence sharing with regional partners. In January, a laboratory was closed after a tip-off from Saudi Arabia, while the UAE lifted a travel ban on Lebanon last May.
Authorities have also reported cooperation between Lebanon and Syria to address the Captagon trade.
Source: The National
