Saudi authorities seize huge drug haul, arrest hundreds

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In the Al-Raboah sector of Asir, patrols arrested five Yemenis and Ethiopians attempting to smuggle 120 kg of qat.(SPA)
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In the Al-Raboah sector of Asir, patrols arrested five Yemenis and Ethiopians attempting to smuggle 120 kg of qat.(SPA)
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Updated 20 November 2024
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Saudi authorities seize huge drug haul, arrest hundreds

  • The smugglers included 456 Ethiopians, 269 Yemenis, a Somali, a Sri Lankan and 23 Saudi citizens

Riyadh: Saudi authorities recently made several drug-related arrests and confiscations in operations across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The General Directorate of Border Guard thwarted an attempt to smuggle 939 kg of hashish, 82,409 amphetamine pills, 291,499 regulated tablets, and 103 tonnes of qat.

The smugglers included 456 Ethiopians, 269 Yemenis, a Somali, a Sri Lankan and 23 Saudi citizens. They were arrested in Tabuk, Jazan, Asir and Najran.

Meanwhile, in Jazan, Border Guard patrols foiled attempts to smuggle 90 kg and 140 kg of qat in Al-Dayer and Al-Arda, respectively.

In the Al-Raboah sector of Asir, patrols arrested five Yemenis and Ethiopians attempting to smuggle 120 kg of qat.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested an Ethiopian in Al-Makhwah, Baha, for smuggling hashish and amphetamines, and four Saudi citizens in Jazan for smuggling 5.4 kg of hashish.

Security authorities reiterated their call for the public to report any information concerning drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.

Individuals with information may also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or through email at [email protected]. Information will be treated with strict confidentiality. 


New Saudi ambassador to UK presents credentials to Britain’s King Charles III

The new Saudi ambassador to the UK Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz presents his credentials to King Charles.
Updated 56 min 27 sec ago
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New Saudi ambassador to UK presents credentials to Britain’s King Charles III

  • Ambassador’s predecessor, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, returned to the Kingdom last year after being appointed as an advisor at Ministry of Foreign Affairs in March 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s new ambassador to the UK Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz presented his credentials to Britain’s King Charles III at St. James’s Palace in London on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the ambassador conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and their wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the British government and people.

King Charles III reciprocated by conveying his greetings and appreciation to the Saudi leadership, wishing the Kingdom and its people further progress and development.

The ambassador’s predecessor, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, returned to the Kingdom last year after being appointed as an advisor at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in March 2025.