RIYADH: Saudi authorities seized millions of narcotics with a street value of up to $124m, concealed in a shipment of cables.
Authorities in Riyadh seized 4,962,000 amphetamine tablets, known as Captagon, state news agency SPA reported, citing the General Directorate for Drug Control on Thursday.
The drugs haul had an estimated street value of approximately $49.62 m to $124 m according to research published in the International Addiction Review Journal, which said users paid in the range of $10-$25 a pill.
Amphetamines are largely used by young men and teenaged boys across the Middle East – but the money raised through the sale of all narcotics is not only used to further supply of the illegal drugs trade, but to fund other organized crime and terrorism.
The recipient of the shipment, identified as a Syrian, was detained by authorities and referred to the public prosecution.