KUWAIT: The interior ministry announced on Monday that the general administration of coast guard seized a marine vessel involved in the smuggling and illegal sale of subsidized diesel within Kuwait’s territorial waters. In a press statement, the ministry said the vessel was detected by the coastguards’ unmanned boats, prompting the immediate deployment of specialized field teams to take the necessary action.
Following search and investigation procedures, it was found that the vessel’s captain and crew had been selling subsidized diesel to several other marine vessels within Kuwait’s territorial waters. The operation resulted in the arrest of 18 individuals involved in the case and the seizure of the vessel. The ministry added that the captain and crew admitted to selling the subsidized diesel and receiving payments through bank transfers. They have been referred to the competent authorities to take all required legal measures against them.
The interior ministry stressed that the seizure comes as part of its ongoing security efforts to protect the country’s security and preserve its resources. It reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying maritime security monitoring and underscored that it will not tolerate any violations or exploitation of state subsidies in contravention of the law, warning that security personnel will remain vigilant against anyone who seeks to undermine national security. – KUNA
