Kuwait tragedy: 13 die after consuming toxic bootleg alcohol

Thursday 14 August 2025 - 10:30

A tragic case of methanol poisoning has claimed the lives of 13 people in Kuwait, with dozens more hospitalized after consuming illicit homemade alcohol, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health on Wednesday.

Authorities report that since Saturday, 63 people have been treated for alcohol poisoning in hospitals across the country. Medical examinations confirmed the presence of methanol, a highly toxic industrial alcohol commonly used as a solvent or fuel, which can cause severe damage to the nervous system and vital organs.

At least 21 patients have experienced partial or total blindness, while 51 required emergency dialysis to eliminate the toxins from their bodies. An additional 31 individuals are currently on mechanical ventilation due to serious neurological complications.

A strict alcohol ban fueling black market risks

Alcohol has been banned in Kuwait since 1964, with strict penalties introduced in the 1980s for possession or consumption. Despite this, a thriving black market continues to supply unregulated and often unsafe alcoholic products.

The victims of this incident are reportedly expatriate workers, primarily from Asian countries, who make up a significant portion of Kuwait’s labor force in sectors such as construction, domestic service, and retail. Experts say economic hardship and social isolation often push vulnerable communities toward high-risk alternatives.

The hidden danger of methanol-laced alcohol

Methanol is sometimes used in the production of counterfeit alcohol due to its similar appearance to ethanol, the type of alcohol safe for human consumption. However, even small amounts can lead to irreversible blindness, kidney failure, or death.

This tragedy underscores the public health risks posed by complete prohibition policies that fail to eliminate alcohol consumption but instead drive it underground, where no safety or quality controls are enforced.