Drug-smuggling bid thwarted at Jeddah port

Drug-smuggling bid thwarted at Jeddah port. (SPA)

• Port authorities said that after an inspection of a suspicious truck and its cargo, the pills were found “crushed” and hidden in a consignment of “carbonate powder” bags

RIYADH: Security authorities in the Kingdom have foiled an attempt to smuggle 1.8 million amphetamine pills through Jeddah Islamic Port hidden inside a container of spices and legumes.
Spokesman for the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, Maj. Mohammed Al-Nujaidi, said the bid was thwarted in cooperation with Kuwaiti security authorities and with the help of the Saudi Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority.
Two men were arrested in Jeddah in connection with receipt of the shipment, and their cases have been referred to the public prosecution.
In October, authorities prevented an attempt to smuggle Captagon amphetamine pills.
More than 5.2 million pills were found hidden in a consignment at Al-Haditha crossing.
Port authorities said that after an inspection of a suspicious truck and its cargo, the pills were found “crushed” and hidden in a consignment of “carbonate powder” bags.
Authorities arrested one person, confirming that they are continuing to tighten control over the Kingdom’s imports and combat smuggling attempts.