JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s security forces announced on Friday that they have arrested a total of 1,628 people from September 2017 to March 2018, as part of efforts to combat the smuggling and peddling of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The perpetrators arrested included 1,024 Saudi nationals and 41 individuals from different nationalities for their involvement in crimes of smuggling, possession, couriering and dealing of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
During the course of their duties, the security forces faced armed resistance from smugglers and dealers in a number of security operations, resulting in injuries to 33 security personnel, in addition to the deaths of 10 and the injury of 21 drug smugglers and traffickers.
The total seized in the security operations of narcotics, psychotropic substances, weapons and cash are as follows:
1. 20,417,349 tablets of amphetamine (Captagon)
2. 18,197 tons of hashish
3: 6.5 kgs of raw heroin
4. Almost 79 kgs of impure heroin
5. Around 2 kgs of cocaine
6.Just over 32 kgs of anesthesia
7. More than 19 kgs of opium
8. 1,962,044 regulated medicinal pills
9. 439 assorted weapons, and 13,086 various live rounds
10. A total of SR 24,746,443 was seized
Saudi Arabia’s security agencies arrested 1,628 for drug crimes in the past year
Saudi Arabia’s security agencies arrested 1,628 for drug crimes in the past year
- 1,024 of those arrested are Saudi nationals and 41 are from different nationalities
- In cases where the suspects resisted, 33 security personnel were wounded, 10 drug traffickers were killed and 21 wounded
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
