JAZAN: Border patrols in Al-Aridah, Jazan, arrested a man for transporting nine people from Ethiopia and Yemen who illegally crossed the Saudi border in his vehicle.
After preliminary legal procedures, the violators have been referred to the relevant authorities and, subsequently, to the Public Prosecution.
Saudi authorities have warned that anyone facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, including providing transportation, shelter or other assistance, could face 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,000). Their vehicles and property could also be confiscated and they could face public defamation.
Meanwhile, authorities in the same region arrested a resident for selling qat. Legal procedures have been completed and the person referred to the competent authorities.
Members of the public with information on drug smuggling or selling are urged to call 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom. They can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email [email protected].
