Saudi authorities bust qat smuggling operation in Jazan

Saudi border guards (AFP)
Short Url
Updated 22 December 2023
Follow

Saudi authorities bust qat smuggling operation in Jazan

  • Qat is a flowering shrub native to the Arabian Peninsula. Individuals chew qat leaves because of the stimulant effects it has, which are like but less intense than those caused by abusing cocaine or methamphetamine

JAZAN: Saudi border guards in Al-Ardah governate of Jazan region foiled an attempt to smuggle 400 kilograms of the narcotic qat.
The seized narcotics were handed over to the competent authority, and preliminary legal procedures were completed, state news agency Saudi Press Agency reported.
Qat is a flowering shrub native to the Arabian Peninsula. Individuals chew qat leaves for its stimulant effects, which are less intense than those caused by abusing cocaine or methamphetamine.
Saudi authorities on Saturday also thwarted an attempt to smuggle more than 6 million Captagon tablets into the country in an operation carried out in cooperation with the Omani police and the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.
The amphetamine pills were found hidden in a shipment of sweets, citrus fruits and nuts.
Security authorities have urged people to report any activities related to drug smuggling or promotion by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern Province regions, and 999 for the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.

 

The Kingdom vs Captagon
Inside Saudi Arabia's war against the drug destroying lives across the Arab world

Enter


keywords

Digital Umrah guide enhances pilgrim experience

Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

Digital Umrah guide enhances pilgrim experience

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released the “Umrah and Ziyarah Guide” in 16 languages to provide pilgrims with guidance and regulatory information in their native languages.

The initiative aims to raise awareness and help pilgrims perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The guide serves as an interactive reference covering all stages of the Umrah and visitation journey — from pre-travel preparations and visa procedures to performing rituals, navigating the Two Holy Mosques, and completing departure formalities.

Organized chronologically, it allows pilgrims to quickly access stage-specific information and is enhanced with visuals and digital links to maps, instructional videos, and supporting services.

Topics include ihram, tawaf, and sa’i, etiquette within the Two Holy Mosques, and key services at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, along with organizational and behavioral guidelines to ensure smooth operations.

The ministry said the guide’s launch is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience, strengthen procedural awareness, and support digital transformation, ultimately improving service quality and facilitating the journey. It is available at haj.gov.sa/Guides.