Saudi authorities crack down on drug offenders

Saudi authorities have made several arrests and confiscated quantities of drugs in operations carried out across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Border patrols in Dhahran Al-Janub, Asir, located nine Ethiopian nationals smuggling 113 kg of narcotics. In Aridah, Jazan, patrols thwarted an attempt to smuggle 225 kg of qat.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested a Saudi national for trafficking methamphetamine in the Northern Borders, while another person was held in the Eastern Province for the same offense.

A citizen was apprehended in Jazan for trafficking 1.6 kg of narcotics, including cannabis and methamphetamine, along with prescription drugs regulated under medical laws.

Two people were arrested in the Eastern Province for trafficking 1.7 kg of cannabis and prescription drugs.

A citizen was arrested in Jouf for trafficking cannabis, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs, while in Sharurah, Najran, patrols intercepted two Ethiopian nationals smuggling 8 kg of cannabis.

Some 14 Ethiopian nationals attempting to smuggle 315 kg of qat were caught by patrols in Rabou’ah, Asir.

Preliminary legal procedures involving all the individuals involved have been completed and all seized narcotics handed over to the authorities.

The Saudi government urges anyone with information related to suspected smuggling operations or customs violations to call the confidential hotline 1910, the international number +966114208417, or to email 1910@zatca.gov.sa.

Tips received relating to smuggling and breaches of common customs law are treated with strict confidentiality. Financial rewards are offered for valid tips.