Poisoning tragedy update: Kuwait shuts down 10 illegal methanol factories after 23 deaths

Kuwait 's Ministry of Interior has dismantled a major criminal network linked to the production and distribution of toxic methanol, following a spate of poisoning incidents that left at least 23 people dead and more than 160 hospitalized, most of them Asian workers. The crackdown, which exposed 10 illicit factories across residential and industrial areas, is one of the country’s largest anti-narcotics operations in recent years.

بإشراف معالي النائب الأول لرئيس مجلس الوزراء ووزير الداخلية

«الداخلية» وبالتعاون مع «الصحة»
تضبط شبكة إجرامية لتصنيع وترويج الميثانول السام في البلاد

•تسبب في حالات تسمم ووفاة أشخاص معظمها من الجنسية الآسيوية مؤخراً

•ضبط (67) متورطًا في تصنيع وترويج المواد الكحولية المحلية… pic.twitter.com/U4b65cqWng

— وزارة الداخلية (@Moi_kuw) August 16, 2025

TL;DR:

• 3 deaths and 160+ hospitalizations traced to toxic methanol; victims mostly Asian nationals.
  
  
• Kuwait Police arrested 67 suspects and shut down 10 illegal methanol factories .
  
  
  
• Victims included 40 Indian citizens, with serious outcomes like blindness and kidney failure.
  

Crackdown & Police Operation
The coordinated operation began after the arrest of an Asian national in Salmiya carrying large amounts of methanol. Interrogations led authorities to uncover extensive details about the preparation and distribution of the substance. Subsequent raids resulted in the arrest of 67 individuals, including two additional Asian nationals involved in manufacturing and distributing methanol and the alleged ringleader. Police also apprehended 34 people wanted for unrelated offenses.
The discovery of 10 illegal methanol factories stretched across both residential and industrial zones, illustrating the widespread nature of the illicit trade in Kuwait.

Medical emergency & treatment
The Ministry of Health confirmed that more than 160 people have needed medical intervention for suspected methanol poisoning recently. Symptoms ranged from mild effects to life-threatening conditions, with 31 patients placed on ventilators and 51 needing emergency kidney dialysis due to severe toxicity. Tragically, 21 survivors suffered permanent blindness or vision impairment.
Indian nationals were among those most severely affected: approximately 40 remain hospitalized, some in critical condition. The Indian Embassy set up a hotline and pledged ongoing support to the families of victims. Senior embassy officials have been visiting Kuwaiti hospitals and coordinating necessary assistance.

Dangers of methanol & official warnings
Methanol is a toxic substance sometimes illicitly added to alcohol for profit or due to ignorance. Even small amounts can be deadly, causing blindness, organ failure, and rapid death. Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has warned that methanol poses an acute public health threat and vowed zero tolerance for those endangering lives. Officials announced plans to intensify nationwide raids and dismantle networks trafficking in alcohol, narcotics, and other hazardous materials.

Kuwait’s crackdown highlights the grave risks posed by unregulated methanol production and distribution, as well as the importance of strict enforcement to prevent further casualties. The swift action reflects the government’s commitment to public health and safety, especially among vulnerable expatriate worker communities.

FAQ

• 1. What triggered the crackdown on methanol factories in Kuwait?
  The arrest of an Asian national with large quantities of methanol in Salmiya led to uncovering a toxic methanol production and distribution network.
  
• 2. How many people have died or been hospitalized due to methanol poisoning?
  At least 23 people died, and over 160 were hospitalized, with many requiring ventilators or kidney dialysis.
  
• 3. Who were the primary victims of the methanol poisoning?
  Most victims were Asian workers, including around 40 Indian nationals, some critically ill.
  
• 4. How many methanol factories were shut down during the raids?
  Security forces closed 10 illegal factories operating in residential and industrial areas.