Saudi Authorities Crack Down on Drug Trafficking
In a series of recent operations, Saudi authorities have made significant strides in combating drug trafficking, resulting in the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of a large quantity of illegal drugs. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the confiscated items included the narcotic plant qat, hashish, amphetamine tablets, and other restricted substances.
Major Busts and Arrests
One operation in Riyadh led to the arrest of three Egyptian residents, who were found in possession of 35 kilograms of hashish, 12,260 amphetamine tablets, and 24,991 prescription tablets. In Al-Baha province, an Ethiopian national was apprehended for breaching the Kingdom’s border security system while selling hashish. Additionally, in Al-Jouf province, a citizen was caught peddling amphetamine tablets.
Legal Action and Border Patrols
All five suspects have been referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal action. Meanwhile, in Jazan province, Border Guard patrols successfully intercepted attempts to smuggle qat from Yemen, seizing 160 kilograms in Al Aridhah governorate and 114 kilograms in Farasan governorate.
Ongoing Efforts and Challenges
The fight against drug trafficking remains a top priority for Saudi authorities, as demonstrated by the recent seizure of 4.7 million Captagon tablets in Riyadh region. These operations not only disrupt the flow of illegal drugs but also help prevent the funding of organized crime and terrorism. Citizens and residents are urged to report any suspicious activities related to drug smuggling or selling to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control.
To report information, individuals can call 911 for Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Regions, or 999 for other regions. Alternatively, reports can be submitted via email at [email protected].