RIYADH: Saudi authorities in Jazan and Narjan have seized in separate operations a huge cache of khat, hashish, amphetamines and methamphetamines.
Border guards in Jazan arrested two Yemeni nationals for promoting 40 kilograms of khat and later foiled an attempt to smuggle 52 kilograms of khat into the Kingdom.
Najran police arrested two citizens for attempting to sell hashish, amphetamines and methamphetamines. Police also seized edged weapons found in their possessions.
Authorities also said they thwarted an attempt to smuggle 143,000 Captagon pills into the Kingdom through Haditha port.
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority said the amphetamine drugs were found hidden in the undercarriage of a truck during a routine inspection, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The authority said it maintained tight control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports and would strengthen its efforts to combat smuggling for the security and protection of society.
Amphetamines are largely used by young men and teenaged boys across the Middle East, and the money raised through the sale of all narcotics are usually ploughed back into the drug trade while some find their way into organized crime and terrorism.
The drugs haul had an estimated street value of approximately between $1.4 million and $3.5 million according to research published in the International Addiction Review Journal, which said users pay in the range of $10-$25 a pill.
The Saudi government has urged anyone with information related to suspected smuggling operations or customs violations to call the confidential hotline 1910, the international number 00 966 114208417, or email [email protected].
Tips received by the authority related to smuggling crimes and breaches of common customs law are treated with strict confidentiality. Financial rewards are offered for valid tips.
