Saudi border guards foil attempts to smuggle hashish, khat in Jazan region

Saudi Border Guards foil attempt to smuggle 961 kg of hashish and 44.7 tons of khat into the Kingdom. (Twitter/@BG994)

• A total of 47 people have been arrested in several security operations in the region

RIYADH: Saudi authorities foiled a plot to smuggle almost 1,000 kilograms of hashish into the Kingdom through its southern borders. 
Col. Misfer Al-Quraini, a spokesman for the Border Guards, said the plans were uncovered by officers during their continual investigations of criminal drug activities.
Authorities seized 961kg of the drug in Jazan region, including 515kg in a joint operation with the General Directorate for Narcotics Control. A total of 24 were arrested in connection with the seizures, including 18 Ethiopian nationals, four Yemenis and two Saudi citizens.
Al-Quraini said that in other security operations in the region border guards seized 44.7 tons of khat, and 23 people were arrested, including 16 Saudi citizens, and seven Yemenis.
He added that security officials will continue their efforts to investigate and prevent cross-border smuggling and arrest those involved.