12 Nepalis die in Kuwait from toxic liquor; survivors to be deported

 

Kathmandu, August 18

The death toll of Nepalis in Kuwait from consuming toxic liquor has risen to 12, the Embassy of Nepal in Kuwait reported. Around 30 others are still receiving treatment in hospitals.

The incident occurred last week after people drank illegally produced alcohol contaminated with methanol, affecting over 160 people. Kuwait’s Ministry of Health confirmed that 23 migrant workers from different countries have died so far.

In response, Kuwait’s Ministry of Internal Affairs launched a nationwide crackdown, arresting 67 people involved in making and selling illegal alcohol, including several Nepalis, Indians, and a Bangladeshi. Authorities also shut down six illegal liquor factories in residential and industrial areas.

Kuwaiti media reported that the main suspects could face murder charges. Police also arrested 258 people for violating residency and labour laws.

Officials said all migrant workers hospitalized after drinking the toxic alcohol will be deported after recovery and barred from re-entering Kuwait. Alcohol production, sale, and consumption are strictly illegal in Kuwait.

The Nepali community in Kuwait, around 160,000 strong, expressed concern over the incident’s impact on their reputation. The Nepali Embassy and the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) have urged citizens to avoid illegal activities such as producing, selling, or consuming alcohol.

The Embassy added that more than half of Nepalis currently in prison in Kuwait are jailed for alcohol- or drug-related cases.

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