Kuwait seizes record 5 tons of Lyrica in largest drug bust

Kuwaiti authorities have made history by dismantling the largest-ever operation to produce and distribute the psychoactive drug Lyrica, intercepting a staggering 5 tons of powder and nearly 4 million capsules. The haul, valued at approximately 150 million KWD, marks the country's most significant drug seizure to date.

Five individuals were implicated in the case, including three Kuwaiti nationals and two others from Jordan and Egypt. They were accused of operating a factory that produced and prepared Lyrica capsules for sale. The General Department for Drug Control, part of the Criminal Security Sector, attributed their success to extensive surveillance and intelligence gathering, which revealed a complex network utilizing three distinct locations.

Two sites served as warehouses for raw Lyrica powder and completed capsules, while the third location was transformed into a fully-equipped industrial facility. This plant was outfitted with machinery akin to that found in legitimate pharmaceutical manufacturing, complete with specialized equipment for capsule production and packaging. The aim was to mimic genuine pharmaceutical products from accredited companies.

As a result of the operation, authorities recovered substantial quantities of raw materials and finished products, along with all manufacturing, packaging, and filling equipment. They also seized significant amounts of cash and a firearm. The suspects and the seized items are now being handed over to the relevant authorities to facilitate the necessary legal proceedings.