Saudi authorities thwart attempt to smuggle more than 2 million Captagon tablets in tomatoes

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Updated 03 March 2023
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Saudi authorities thwart attempt to smuggle more than 2 million Captagon tablets in tomatoes

RIYADH: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority foiled an attempt to smuggle 2,015,116 million Captagon tablets at Al Haditha port in Saudi Arabia on Friday.
According to authorities the tablets were found during a routine inspection of one of the vehicles entering Al-Wadiah port carrying Tomatoes and Pomegranate.

 

The drugs haul had an estimated street value of approximately $20.15 m to $50.38 m according to research published in the International Addiction Review Journal, which said users paid in the range of $10-$25 a pill.
This latest drugs bust comes a day after five million Captagon tablets with a street value of up to $124m were seized in an operation in Riyadh.


Amphetamines are largely used by young men and teenaged boys across the Middle East – but the money raised through the sale of all narcotics is not only used to further supply of the illegal drugs trade, but to fund other organized crime and terrorism.
Authorities stated that one person was arrested, and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control is after the other offenders inside the Kingdom.

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Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

Updated 10 January 2026
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Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

  • The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16

ALULA: The AlUla Citrus Festival has seen a remarkable turnout of residents and visitors as it has coincided with the mid-year school break, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival is being held at the farmers’ market in the cultural oasis, amid an environment that blends stunning natural beauty with the governorate's rich agricultural heritage.

The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16.

It allows visitors to explore local products and purchase citrus fruits directly from farmers, highlighting the deep connection between the people, their land, and agricultural legacy.

The festival showcases a diverse selection of AlUla’s finest citrus fruits, alongside platforms for local producers, the SPA added.

The event also features interactive family-friendly activities and live cooking demonstrations.

It contributes to revitalizing agricultural economic activity and reinforces agricultural seasons as a pillar of sustainable development in the governorate.

The AlUla Citrus Festival is a key social and economic event and gives local farmers a vital platform to showcase and sell their produce, supporting the agricultural economy of a governorate home to nearly 5,000 productive farms.