Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has arrested three individuals suspected of selling electronic cigarettes to school students by concealing the products inside food items to avoid detection. The arrests were made following an investigation into the spread of e-cigarettes among high school students in the capital.

According to a ministry statement released on Saturday, the Criminal Security Sector, through the General Department of Criminal Investigation, identified a grocery store allegedly involved in receiving, preparing, and packaging e-cigarette orders disguised within food items. Security officers obtained the necessary legal authorization to detain one suspect during the delivery of an order. Subsequent raids on the location, conducted in coordination with Kuwait Municipality, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, resulted in the arrest of two additional suspects.

The suspects, who reportedly confessed to their involvement, include two individuals who managed the grocery store and were responsible for preparing and concealing the electronic cigarettes, and a third who handled delivery of the products. The ministry stated the operation was driven by financial gain. Confiscated items have been seized, and legal proceedings have commenced as authorities prepare to refer the suspects to the relevant judicial bodies.

The ministry highlighted the use of deceptive practices targeting minors through delivery services and called for enhanced cooperation between security agencies and families to protect children from such exploitation and associated health risks. Parents were urged to monitor their children’s purchases, especially items ordered through delivery apps or bought in stores, and to maintain open communication with their children about the dangers of smoking.

Reinforcing its commitment to child safety, the ministry said it would maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards individuals who exploit minors or jeopardize their health. The ministry cited Kuwait’s Anti-Smoking Law of 1995, which prohibits the sale or provision of cigarettes and tobacco products to anyone under 21 years of age, underscoring the legal framework supporting its enforcement efforts.