Saudi border guards thwart qat smuggling operation

Saudi border guards in the Jazan region have thwarted an attempt to smuggle 180 kg of qat.

The illegal substance was confiscated, and several people arrested.

Qat is a flowering shrub native to the Arabian Peninsula, the leaves of which act as a stimulant when chewed.

Saudi security agencies have urged the public to report any information about drug smuggling or trafficking by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the eastern regions, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.

They can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control by calling 995 or emailing 995@gdnc.gov.sa. All reports are treated with confidentiality.