Kuwait Alcohol Poisoning Tragedy: Arrests Made After 23 Deaths
On Sunday, August 17, 2025, Kuwaiti authorities arrested 67 individuals in connection with the production and distribution of illegal, locally-made alcoholic beverages. The crackdown was initiated after 23 people died from methanol poisoning, and more than 160 individuals were hospitalized after consuming the contaminated drinks.
Key Details of the Incident:
Victims: The Ministry of Health confirmed the 23 fatalities and reported that at least 160 people were affected. The majority of the victims were members of the expatriate community.
Health Consequences: In addition to the deaths, the poisonings resulted in severe health issues for many survivors. At least 51 individuals required kidney dialysis, 31 needed mechanical ventilation, and 21 were left with permanent blindness or severe visual impairment.
Investigation: The Interior Ministry stated that a major criminal network was dismantled, with police seizing six active alcohol production facilities and four others that were not yet in use. Authorities believe a Bangladeshi national was the leader of the network. The bootleg liquor was found to be contaminated with methanol, a highly toxic substance often used in industrial products.
Context: The sale and production of alcoholic beverages have been illegal in Kuwait since the 1960s. This ban has led to a thriving black market, where the lack of safety regulations often results in dangerous products that pose a significant health risk to consumers.
