Snapshot of narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances in Kuwait: analysis of illicit drugs use in Kuwait from 2015 to 2018

Abstract

Background The misuse of illicit substances is associated with increased morbidity and mortality; thus, substance abuse is a global health concern. The Arabian Gulf region is considered a crossing point and a consumer of illicit drugs. However, a lack of laboratory-based research has limited the scientific assessment of drug misuse in the Arabian Gulf region. Thus, an up-to-date analytical representation of the drug situation is warranted. Methods We investigated the type and quantity of detained narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances from 2015 to 2018, representing a population of approximately 4 million people, in addition to the number of abusers and mortality among abusers. In total, 6220 cases from the Narcotic and Psychotropic Laboratory and 17,755 cases from the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory were reviewed and analyzed. Substances were identified and documented using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results Cannabis, including marijuana, was the most seized substance, followed by heroin, opium, and cocaine. Amphetamines, including methamphetamine, in the form of powder or pills, were seized in larger quantities than other psychoactive substances. The most consumed substances were, in order, amphetamines (including methamphetamine), benzodiazepines, cannabis, and heroin. We identify the common drugs in postmortem specimens, according to sex, from suspected drug-related deaths. The most common single drug identified were heroin, benzodiazepines, and methamphetamine. Similarly, the multiple-drug cocktail of heroin–benzodiazepines, cannabis–benzodiazepines, and cannabis–amphetamines, were detected frequently. Conclusions The data shows that cannabis is the leading type of illicit substance seized. Deaths resulting from benzodiazepines and heroin abuse were the highest in the single drug category, while heroin-benzodiazepines combination deaths were the highest in the multiple-drug category. Methamphetamine was the most abused illicit drug in Kuwait. These findings revealed the illicit drug abuse situation in the State of Kuwait, in a region that suffers from the scarcity of information regarding illicit substances. Thus, providing valuable information for drug enforcement, forensic analyst, health workers on national and international levels.

Heroin-Related Fatalities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 2008 and 2018

“…Thus, little is known about heroin-related deaths, and most studies in the Arabian Gulf region are outdated [ 8 , 9 ]. Al-Matrouk et al reviewed these studies and found that they were mostly survey-based and lacked laboratory-based research; thus, these studies did not actually describe the real situation of drug abuse patterns in these countries [ 10 ].…”

Special issues in forensic toxicology in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: The importance of toxicology amid MENA drug challenges

“…The alarming escalation of methamphetamine-related deaths in Saudi Arabia, which has witnessed a staggering surge of over 500 % within a mere three-year period (2016–2018) ( Al-Asmari, 2021 ), underscores the pressing need for comprehensive research and preventive interventions. Unfortunately, data from postmortem cases are rarely reported in the MENA region ( Al-Matrouk et al, 2021 , Osman and Shawoosh, 2003 ), especially those from Saudi Arabia ( Al-Asmari et al, 2023 ). Addressing this gap is crucial.…”

“…Despite being a major global concern, the scientific literature emerging from Saudi Arabia rarely sheds light on drug-related deaths ( United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime, 2022 ). Furthermore, epidemiological studies in the MENA region are presented infrequently, leaving us with limited insights into drug-related fatalities ( Al-Matrouk et al, 2021 , Elfawal, 1999 , Osman and Shawoosh, 2003 ). Even drug seizures at customs checkpoints do not consistently align with global trends.…”