KUWAIT CITY, Jul 18: Kuwait Customs officials at the Salmi Customs Department successfully intercepted and seized a significant quantity of contraband, including approximately 36,000 tons of tobacco, 66,000 cartons of cigarettes, 97,000 packets of various cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other prohibited materials.

The operation began when Deputy Director General of Customs Ports Affairs, Yousef Al-Kandari, flagged a batch of trucks carrying the illicit items. Upon thorough inspection, customs officers discovered the contraband hidden within the trucks. Consequently, the trucks were redirected to the Sulaibiya Customs Department and the Vegetable Market in Sulaibiya for further examination.

The detailed inspection revealed about 36,000 tons of banned tobacco, 66,000 cartons of cigarettes, and 97,000 packets of various cigarettes. Additionally, 346 packets of chewing tobacco, 1,674 e-cigarettes, and assorted e-cigarette fluids, including 620 cherry and 2,025 other assorted flavors, were found. Authorities also uncovered a laser device, four wireless devices, and an electric shockwave device.

Director General of the General Administration of Customs, Abdullah Adel Al-Sharhan, expressed his gratitude to the employees of the Salmi Customs Department, the Sulaibiya Customs Department, and the Vegetable Market for their vigilance and dedication.

The General Administration of Customs issued a stern warning to those attempting to smuggle narcotics. It prohibited goods into the country, emphasizing that such actions would result in legal accountability and strict customs procedures.