Saudi authorities thwart drug smuggling operations

Individuals chew qat leaves for its stimulant effects, which are less intense than those caused by abusing cocaine or methamphetamine. (AFP filephoto for illustrative purposes)
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Updated 21 June 2024
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Saudi authorities thwart drug smuggling operations

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s drug control authority seized large quantities of narcotics and arrested several people following a number of operations across the Kingdom, reported Saudi Press Agency.

Border guards in Asir province thwarted an attempt to smuggle 52 kg of hashish into the kingdom, while in Jazan the authorities foiled the trafficking of 243 kg of qat.

Saudi’s security authorities are urging people to report any activities related to drug smuggling or promotion by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern Province regions, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.

Alternatively, information can be emailed to [email protected]. All reports are treated in confidence.


Saudi Arabia expresses regret over damage to Qatar’s embassy building in Ukraine

Updated 10 January 2026
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Saudi Arabia expresses regret over damage to Qatar’s embassy building in Ukraine

  • Qatar said that its embassy in the Ukrainian capital was damaged during Russian strikes the night before but that its staff were unharmed

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has expressed regret over damages sustained by the building of Qatar’s embassy in the Ukrainian capital during a Russian attack. 

Qatar said that its embassy in the Ukrainian capital was damaged during Russian strikes the night before but that its staff were unharmed.

The Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement shared on X that the kingdom “expresses its profound regret over the damage sustained by the embassy building of the fraternal State of Qatar due to shelling in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.” 

Saudi Arabia also “renews its supporting position for diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Russian-Ukrainian crisis by peaceful means,” it added. 

The ministry also affirmed the need to provide protection for members of diplomatic missions, and their premises, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.