Saudi authorities thwart attempt to smuggle qat, amphetamine drug

File photo shows amphetamine pills (SPA)

RIYADH: Saudi border guards have thwarted the smuggling of 44 kilograms of the narcotic qat plant in Jazan region, southwest of Saudi Arabia.
The seized items were handed over to the competent authority, the Saudi Press Agency said.
Qat is a flowering shrub native to the Arabian Peninsula. Individuals chew qat leaves for its stimulant effects. 
Elsewhere, the General directorate for Narcotics Control arrested a Saudi citizen in Al-Baha region for promoting the amphetamine drug, and referred him to the Public Prosecution.
Police have also arrested another citizen in the Qassim Region for promoting hashish and amphetamine.
A Bangladesh resident was also arrested in Hail for promoting methamphetamine.