Kuwait seizes record 5 tons of Lyrica in largest drug bust

Kuwaiti authorities have thwarted what they described as the largest operation in the country’s history to manufacture and distribute the psychoactive drug Lyrica, seizing around 5 tons of raw Lyrica powder and nearly 4 million capsules ready for distribution, with a total estimated market value of about 150 million Kuwaiti dinars (KWD).

Officials revealed that five suspects were involved in the case, including three Kuwaiti nationals and two others of Jordanian and Egyptian nationality, accusing them of running a factory to produce and prepare Lyrica capsules for sale.

According to the General Department for Drug Control under the Kuwaiti Criminal Security Sector, the operation followed intensive security investigations and close surveillance, which uncovered a network using three locations to store, manufacture, and prepare the psychoactive substance for distribution.

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Authorities explained that two sites were used to store raw Lyrica powder and finished capsules, while the third location was converted into a factory equipped with a large industrial machine similar to those used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

They added that the factory also contained specialized machines and equipment for packaging, with the aim of preparing capsules in containers designed to appear as genuine pharmaceutical products from accredited companies.

Search operations led to the seizure of massive quantities of raw materials and finished products, as well as complete manufacturing, packaging, and filling equipment, in addition to sums of money and a firearm.

The suspects and the seized items have been referred to the relevant authorities to complete the necessary legal procedures.