RIYADH: Authorities have arrested members of criminal drug network who posed as a local bee import business.

A Ministry of Interior source said that five people from the network were arrested: Four Egyptian expatriates and one Saudi citizen, according to the Saudi Press Agency report on Monday.

The network’s activities included smuggling drugs by importing beehives through a beekeeping business, concealing amphetamine tablets in the hives, shipping them to the Kingdom, and transporting them in a refrigerated vehicle to Al-Darb governorate in the Jazan region, where the drugs were distributed and sold.

Legal action has been taken against the suspects, who were referred to the Public Prosecution, the SPA reported.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to counter all attempts to disrupt the security and stability of the Kingdom, or endanger its citizens and residents, highlighting its vigilance against criminal schemes targeting the nation with drugs.