RIYADH: The drug trade has a strong relationship with international terrorism, which relies on drugs as a source of funding, the chief of a Saudi drug-fighting agency has said.
Abdul Ilah Al-Sharif, secretary-general of the Saudi National Committee for Combating Drugs (Nebras), said criminal organizations operating in drug production and trafficking have benefited to the fullest extent. “This has become clear from the precision of its organization and management, and the covert cooperation between drug-trafficking organizations in many countries,” he said.
Al-Sharif was giving a presentation as head of the Kingdom’s delegation at the workshop “Drug relations with extremism and terrorism” in Kuwait Oct. 29-30.
He explained that the Nebras project aims to contribute to reducing the spread of drugs among members of society, and to educate the family on the importance of preventive action.
“It also aims at strengthening the voluntary participation of members of civil society and its institutions in the field of drug control, reducing crime and accidents associated with drug abuse by young people, and promoting moral and social values of refusal to accept drug abuse,” he said.
Al-Sharif stressed that the countries of the world are required to exert double efforts in the fight against drugs, terrorism and money-laundering operations at all levels.
Terrorists rely on drugs as a source of funding, says Saudi anti-drugs chief
Terrorists rely on drugs as a source of funding, says Saudi anti-drugs chief
King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit
- Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.
One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.
The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.
The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader.
Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.
