Attention: Indian Embassy in Kuwait issues advisory on narcotics and drugs


Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait

Kuwait, Jun 1: Expressing concerns over an increase in cases relating to detention/arrest of Indian nationals on alleged charges of carrying or possessing narcotic drugs in the country, the Embassy of India in Kuwait has issued an advisory regarding narcotics/drugs for the Indian community in Kuwait.

The Embassy noted that out of 260 Indian nationals who are currently in Kuwaiti jails, 137 persons are facing crimes related to drugs.

In February this year, Melwin Fernandes from Karkala had been arrested by the Kuwaiti authorities for carrying the drug Tramadol (a pain killer) for his neighbour who resides in Kuwait. It was later learnt that the medicine was banned in Kuwait, and hence Melwin was arrested and sent to Sulaibiya jail.


With increase in the number of such cases, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait issued an advisory that states:

"It may be noted that the punishment under the Kuwaiti laws for violation of drug related crimes may lead to life imprisonment or even death. If anybody is caught by local authorities on account of use / possession / trade / transportation of narcotics/drugs or any related prohibited item, it could be difficult for the Embassy to help/intervene in the matter as the case will be dealt with as per Kuwaiti laws. Therefore, one must strictly obey rules and regulations regarding the laws about drugs in this country.

With a view to creating high awareness among the Indian nationals in the matter, the Embassy would like to bring the following information for their attention:



What are Narcotics/Drugs?


There are, generally, many kinds of drugs some are prescribed while others are known as club drugs, illicit or illegal substances and designer drugs, which include:

(i) Antidepressants,
(ii) Barbiturates,
(iii) Cannabis,
(iv) Depressants,
(v) Hallucinogens,
(vi) Inhalants,
(vii) Narcotics [Marijuana, Morphine, Cocaine, Heroin, Dry ICE, LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), amphetamines (speed)].
(viii) Steroids,
(ix) Stimulants,
(x) Tobacco.

(The list is only indicative and not exhaustive).


Suggestions for taking precaution and/or safety tips for Indian community

As per the statements of inmates, it was observed that friends or relatives of the expatriate living in Kuwait, contact the passenger and hand over packets/gifts/small bags etc in India for delivering to their relatives in Kuwait. Please avoid such things as many times these tricks were done to use you as courier. These things may contain narcotics or prohibited medicines which would result in your arrest and punishment in Kuwait. Strictly avoid accepting any such packet or gift from strangers at airport or with a person you develop friendship during travel. Please refuse accepting any such items given by them.

Further, the monetary temptation should be avoided where you are asked to visit a place, hold a packet, keep packet/friends attaché / suitcases with you for some time, etc are some of the tricks which may land you up in the police net with jail term for transporting/possessing narcotics.


Use/carrying of Prescription Medicine from India to Kuwait

The general medicine should be brought with doctor’s prescription and the quantity should not exceed 2 weeks’ requirement. Further, Ayurvedic/Homeopathic medicine due to its composition can be construed as containing alcohol while narcotics can be camouflaged as white sugar pills. Hence one should be careful while bringing these medicines and must carry doctor’s prescription and possess limited quantity. One must check also with the Kuwaiti authorities about latest updates on regulations governing carrying of medicines from abroad.

The above guidelines are indicative and issued in the interest of the Indian community for taking adequate precautions and to strictly observe the laws of land relating to narcotics/drugs in Kuwait."

 

Also Read:

 

Kuwait: Unaware of banned drug, Melwin lands in jail

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • Mohandas Kapikad, Mangaluru

    Mon, Jun 02 2014

    If you carry excessive Medicine while you enter Kuwait, you will land in Jail.
    If you carry excessive Gold while you enter India, you will land in Jail.
    Yeh he difference !

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Robert Rodrigues, vittla,kashimatta kuwait

    Mon, Jun 02 2014

    there is no name tramedol in the ban list,then why did they put in jail melwine?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ajith Dcosta, Halealve/Muscat

    Sun, Jun 01 2014

    Thanks Daiji for useful info, and at the same time all have to avoid to give and take parcels

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vipul, Mangalore

    Sun, Jun 01 2014

    Very good advice, but why alcohol is not listed in the list of banned drugs.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Andrew D'Silva, Handadi

    Sun, Jun 01 2014

    Very useful information. Thank you Daijiworld.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Johnson Crasta, Shamboor/ Jubail Saudi Arabia

    Sun, Jun 01 2014

    Really a useful information. Thanks to Daijiworld for publishing. It is not only Kuwait but also alarming news for all GCC country travelers. Do not ignore, it may lead to serious problems. Also I pray God that poor innocent guy Mr. Melwin get release soon.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • w.f, mangalore

    Sun, Jun 01 2014

    recent increase of indian nationals drug cases,made kuwait authorities to be more strict for indians in checking on arrival.it is better to open&check parcel given by relatives,friends.or best thing to avoid is do not give or take any parcel,medicine from anyone.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • abu ayan, kuwait

    Sun, Jun 01 2014

    Thank You Daiji for useful information...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • amb, uae

    Sun, Jun 01 2014

    Thanks daiji for this news. Can you do a favor to all of NRIs, why cant this check can be put in place at indian airport itself before leaving india. At least passenger can throw this medicines or return back to originator. By this at least he will avoid landing at jail after entering Gulf countries or other countries.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavia, Mangalore

    Sun, Jun 01 2014

    Thank you daijiworld for this very useful information.

     What about other GCC countries like Dubai, Muscat etc?

    DisAgree [4] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Regina, Mangalore

    Sun, Jun 01 2014

    Whats on Melwin's Case..will he not be able to come out of jail..He is innocent. Also his neighbors are involved in this. y this poor guy and his family suffer.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Sun, Jun 01 2014

    Keep banned drugs off travel kit. Thanks daiji for the info.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • sunnylara, bangalore

    Sun, Jun 01 2014

    thanks daiji ..please put this information in local news paper....

    DisAgree [9] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Attention: Indian Embassy in Kuwait issues advisory on narcotics and drugs



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.