Saudi authorities foil major drug smuggling attempts

Saudi authorities made several arrests and confiscated large quantities of drugs in operations carried out across the Kingdom.

On Sunday, security units in the Asir region arrested eight Yemeni nationals who violated the border security system in the Sarat Ubaida governorate.

They were caught attempting to smuggle 49.5 kg of hashish and 31,800 tablets, which were under medical circulation regulation. Additionally, the individuals were found in possession of firearms and live ammunition.

Border Guards land patrols in the Al-Dayer governorate of the Jazan region foiled an attempt to smuggle 520 kg of qat into the Kingdom.

Police in Ahad Al-Masarihah governorate in Jazan also arrested three Saudi nationals involved in smuggling narcotic amphetamine. A sum of money and several mobile phones were also confiscated.

In a separate incident, another Saudi citizen was arrested by police in Sakaka, in the Jouf region, for running a smuggling operation involving amphetamine tablets, as well as hashish.

The individual was found in possession of two firearms, live ammunition and multiple mobile phones.

Preliminary legal procedures against all the individuals involved have been completed and all seized narcotics handed over to the authorities. All those arrested have been referred to the Public Prosecution.

Members of the public can report suspected smuggling or other violations in strict confidence via email — 1910@zatca.gov.sa — or through the designated number for security reports, 1910 from within the country or +966114208417 from overseas. A financial reward is offered if the information leads to the discovery of a crime.