Kuwait's elite customs unit cracks down on smuggling with 10 major busts in 2025
Kuwait’s Tracking Division has uncovered 10 major smuggling cases so far in 2025. The elite customs unit works across land, sea, and air ports to detect illegal goods entering the country. Its operations rely on trained police dogs and specialised inspectors to stop drug trafficking, explosives, and other contraband. The division was established in 2006 under the Customs Investigation and Research Office. Since then, it has grown into a key defence against smuggling, operating seven tracking centres nationwide. The largest facility, Al-Sulaibiya, serves as the main hub for inspections.
The unit employs 157 police dogs of various breeds, including German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and Cocker Spaniels. These dogs assist around 140 Kuwaiti customs inspectors in examining cargo, vehicles, and passengers. Their primary role is detecting hidden drugs, explosives, and smuggled money. Officials report that smugglers now use increasingly sophisticated camouflage methods to conceal illegal goods. Despite this challenge, the division maintains strong cooperation with security agencies both inside and outside Kuwait. This collaboration has led to the discovery of numerous smuggling attempts in recent years.
The Tracking Division continues to play a critical role in safeguarding Kuwait’s borders. By combining trained dogs, skilled inspectors, and advanced tracking centres, the unit remains effective against evolving smuggling tactics. Its ongoing efforts help prevent illegal goods from entering the country.
