Drug dealers, smugglers arrested in multiple raids across Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Saudi authorities tackling drug traders and smugglers reported a number of arrests across the Kingdom in recent days.
On Tuesday, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has thwarted three attempts to smuggle 651,909 Captagon and other narcotic pills hidden in consignments that entered Saudi Arabia through different ports.
In one case, 93,750 narcotic tablets were found hidden in a truck coming in through Duba Port. In another, 356,559 narcotic tablets were found hidden in a consignment of various goods arriving in through Jeddah Islamic Port Customs. In a third attempt, 201,600 Captagon pills were found hidden in the floor of a truck coming in through Al-Haditha port.
The authority coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to have seven individuals who were supposed to receive the consignments arrested.
In a separate attempt, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control has arrested three residents, two Palestinians and a Sudanese, in Riyadh for attempting to sell 133,008 amphetamine pills and an amount of hashish. Some money and jewelry were also found in their possession.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control has arrested two residents, a Pakistani and a Filipino, in Jeddah for attempting to sell 2.6 kg of methamphetamine.
They all were referred to the Public Prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Border Guard in Asir region foiled two attempts to smuggle a total of 500 kg of qat.
Police officers in Hafr Al-Batin province have arrested a Pakistani resident attempting to sell methamphetamine.
Preliminary legal procedures were completed, and the seized items were handed to the competent authorities.
In Taif, police officers have arrested three Ethiopian nationals and three Saudi citizens for attempting to sell amphetamine, hashish and narcotic pills and for being in possession of firearms, live ammunition and a sum of money. The six were referred to the Public Prosecution.
Police officers in Balqarn governorate in the Asir region have arrested a citizen for selling 10,805 amphetamine pills. He was also found to be in possession of an amount of money and referred to the pertinent authority.
Security patrols in Aldair governorate of Jazan region have arrested three Ethiopian nationals attempting to smuggle qat.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control reaffirmed its commitment to prevent drug smuggling and tighten customs procedures on imports and exports.
The Saudi government has urged anyone with information related to suspected smuggling operations or customs violations to call the confidential hotline 1910, the international number 00 966 114208417, or email 1910@zatca.gov.sa.
Tips received by the authority related to smuggling crimes and breaches of common customs law are treated with strict confidentiality. Financial rewards are offered for valid tips.