Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle massive haul of Captagon pills worth millions

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About 3 million Captagon pills were hidden in a consignment of wooden panels received from abroad at King Abdulaziz Port. (SPA)
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About 3 million Captagon pills were hidden in a consignment of wooden panels received from abroad at King Abdulaziz Port. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia has intensified its crackdown on drug smuggling operations. (SPA)
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Updated 02 February 2023
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Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle massive haul of Captagon pills worth millions

  • Pills were discovered in consignment received from abroad at King Abdulaziz Port

RIYADH: Saudi authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle about 3 million Captagon pills hidden in a consignment of wooden panels via a port in Dammam, state news agency (SPA) reported.

The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority said the pills were discovered in a consignment received from abroad at King Abdulaziz Port.

The smuggled pills had an estimated  street value ranging from $30 million to $75 million, according to figures published in the International Addiction Review journal.

Money raised through the sale of narcotics is usually ploughed into the supply of more illegal drugs and other organized crime, including terrorism.

Two recipients of the shipment were arrested in a security operation carried out in coordination with General Directorate of Narcotics Control, SPA said.

Saudi Arabia has intensified its crackdown on drug smuggling operations.

Earlier, the Kingdom coordinated with Qatari authorities to thwart an attempt to smuggle over four million amphetamine tablets hidden in a shipment of cattle feed, received at Jeddah Islamic Port.

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Saudi aid agency launches food distribution projects in Djibouti and Guinea

Updated 21 February 2026
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Saudi aid agency launches food distribution projects in Djibouti and Guinea

  • Projects to benefit 40,000 individuals across Djibouti and 50,000 in Guinea
  • KSrelief's aid programs have reached a total of 113 countries across four continents

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has launched its 2026 food distribution projects in the African republics of Djibouti and Guinea.

The initiatives are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian relief efforts to enhance global food security for vulnerable populations, according to statements carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

In Djibouti, Saudi Ambassador Mutrek Al-Ajaleen and other local officials rolled out the fifth phase of the year’s project. It consists of 6,715 baskets of essential food items designed to support 40,000 individuals across multiple regions of the country.

In Guinea, Saudi Ambassador Dr. Fahad Al-Rashidi led the launch ceremony for a similar initiative. Under this project, 8,400 food baskets will be distributed, benefiting 50,000 people nationwide.

Since its establishment in 2015, KSrelief has served as Saudi Arabia's primary humanitarian arm, making food security one of its largest and most critical operational sectors. According to the center's official statistics, KSrelief has implemented over 1,150 dedicated food security projects at a total cost of more than $2.2 billion.

These specific food distribution initiatives have successfully delivered vital sustenance to vulnerable populations in 86 countries worldwide. Broadening the scope beyond just food security, KSrelief's overall humanitarian and development aid programs have reached a total of 113 countries across four continents.