Saudi authorities foil drug smuggling bids

File photo of qat, a plant with a mild stimulant effect and classed as a drug in several countries (AFP)
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  • Members of the public can report suspected smuggling or other violations in confidence via email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa, or by calling 1910 from within the country

JEDDAH: Saudi authorities have arrested several people and seized large quantities of illegal drugs in operations carried out throughout the Kingdom.

On Wednesday, security patrols in the Sarat Ubaida governorate of the Asir region thwarted an attempt to smuggle 103kg of qat, and Border Guard patrols in Jazan’s Al-Ardah governorate foiled a similar bid involving 80kg of the same drug.

In a separate operation in Jazan, authorities seized 58kg of qat.

Meanwhile, Riyadh police officers arrested a Pakistani resident and four citizens for attempting to sell hashish, 7,500 amphetamine tablets, and 10,000 narcotic pills.

During the operation, authorities confiscated items including firearms and live ammunition found in the suspects’ possession.

In addition, officers from the General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested an Ethiopian national for violating the border security system in the Baha region and promoting hashish.

Preliminary legal procedures against all the suspects have been completed and their cases referred to public prosecutors.

Members of the public can report suspected smuggling or other violations in confidence via email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa, or by calling 1910 from within the country or +966114208417 from overseas.

Financial rewards are offered for information that leads to the discovery of a crime involving drugs.