23 Die from Toxic Alcohol in Kuwait; Bangladeshi National Arrested

Darwin, August 18 — At least 67 people have been arrested across Kuwait following a nationwide crackdown after 23 people died from consuming toxic alcohol. The country’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that the ringleader of the illegal alcohol network is a Bangladeshi national.

According to Reuters, the import, production, and sale of alcohol are strictly prohibited in Kuwait. However, illegal networks continue to produce alcohol laced with toxic chemicals, which frequently lead to fatal consequences. A statement from the Interior Ministry noted that six illegal alcohol factories were seized and four other sites were sealed during the operation.

The Ministry of Health reported that 160 people were hospitalized due to methanol poisoning caused by the consumption of adulterated alcohol. Among them, 23 have died, most of whom are Asian nationals. The death toll was initially reported as 13 but was later revised.

The Ministry of Interior also confirmed that one of the arrested individuals, a Nepali national, informed police about how the illicit alcohol was produced and sold using methanol. Authorities traced and dismantled the illegal factories located in residential and industrial areas.

The Kuwaiti government has vowed to take strict action against those involved in the production and distribution of toxic alcohol.