Kuwaiti authorities have arrested 67 people over illegal alcoholic drinks that killed 23 and poisoned more than 160, the Interior Ministry said. A Bangladeshi national reportedly led the operation, with methanol prepared and sold in secret factories, some revealed by a Nepali member, Al Jazeera reported.

Alcohol is banned in Kuwait, and unsafe homemade production has put many at risk. Health authorities said dozens needed dialysis or ventilation, while the Indian Embassy confirmed around 40 nationals were hospitalized. Methanol, a toxic industrial alcohol, can cause delayed symptoms and is often fatal if untreated.