Saudi customs officials find 1.6kg of cocaine in smugglers’ stomachs

(Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority)
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Updated 27 May 2021
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Saudi customs officials find 1.6kg of cocaine in smugglers’ stomachs

JEDDAH: Customs officers in Saudi Arabia foiled attempts by two airline passengers to smuggle more than 1.6 kilograms of cocaine into the Kingdom.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah said inspectors suspicious of a female passenger arriving in the Kingdom carried out an X-ray that revealed 60 capsules in her stomach. They were found to contain 683.5 grams of the drug.

In a similar case, this time involving a male passenger, inspectors found 80 capsules containing 918.5 grams of cocaine.

The authority said swallowing capsules of drugs such as heroin or cocaine is a common method used by smugglers. It added that customs officers at land, sea and airports work tirelessly to foil the attempts and seize shipments in an effort to maintain security and protect Saudi society.


Saudi watchdog warns of possible health risk from Nestle baby formula

Updated 06 January 2026
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Saudi watchdog warns of possible health risk from Nestle baby formula

  • Company voluntarily recalls its Nan, Alfamino, S-26 Gold and S-26 Ultima products over concerns they might be contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by bacteria
  • Saudi Food and Drug Authority says recall is precautionary and no related illnesses have been reported, but advises consumers to dispose of recalled products immediately

RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority on Tuesday warned the public not to consume certain Nestle infant formula products, after the company issued a voluntary recall over concerns about possible contamination.

The advisory covers products marketed under the Nan, Alfamino, S-26 Gold and S-26 Ultima brands. They might be contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by the Bacillus cereus bacteria, which can pose a risk to infant health, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi authority said the recall was a precautionary measure and no related illnesses have been reported. Possible symptoms of exposure can include nausea, repeated vomiting and abdominal pain.

It advised consumers to dispose of the recalled products immediately, and said it was coordinating with Nestle to ensure they are removed from stores and is monitoring the process.

Full details of the affected products, including batch numbers, are available at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority website. The organization said consumers can report any food safety concerns by calling 19999.