Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, announced on Wednesday the thwarting of the largest drug bust in the country's history. The seizure involved approximately five tons of raw Lyrica powder and nearly four million capsules ready for sale, with an estimated total market value of 150 million Kuwaiti dinars (approximately $485.9 million).

Sheikh Fahad made the announcement during his patronage and attendance at the closing ceremony of the comprehensive national awareness campaign for drug prevention, "A Nation That Protects You," organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs at the Four Seasons Hotel, with the participation of several governmental, non-governmental, and private entities.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef stated that the operation carried out on Tuesday also included a fully equipped factory for producing the psychoactive substance Lyrica, along with equipment for filling and dividing capsules. He emphasized that this reflects the magnitude of the danger thwarted by the vigilance of the anti-narcotics officers and the security efforts exerted in combating this scourge.

He added that the campaign was not merely an awareness activity, but a sincere national message underscoring that the youth of Kuwait are a trust, and protecting them is everyone's responsibility. He explained that the danger of drugs is not limited to a specific individual, but threatens the family, society, and the future of the nation.

He affirmed that combating drugs is a top priority for the Ministry of Interior, which continues to confront smugglers and dealers, tighten control and enforcement measures, and dry up the sources of this scourge, in addition to strengthening prevention and awareness programs, based on the belief that protecting our children begins before drugs reach them.