Border guards in Jazan foiled attempts to smuggle more than 800 kilograms of qat into the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In Al-Aridah governorate, security patrols intercepted 500 kg of qat while in Ad-Dair governorate 90 kg were seized. A citizen was also arrested in Ad-Dair for trying to smuggle 226 kg of qat hidden in the vehicle he was driving.
Al-Aridah and Ad-Dair are on the border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, a major producer and consumer of qat. Qat leaves are usually chewed for their stimulant effect, which are less intense compared with cocaine or methamphetamine.
Security authorities called on citizens and residents to report any information related to drug smuggling or selling to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control by calling 911 for Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Regions, or 999 for the rest of the regions, or by emailing 995@gdnc.gov.sa.