RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s counter-narcotics authority thwarted on Wednesday an attempt to smuggle eleven million pills of the illegal and dangerous drug amphetamine.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control, or GDNC, announced the discovery of 11,108,998 amphetamine pills concealed in a food shipment at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, located in the Eastern Region.
Two suspects were arrested — a resident of Jordanian nationality and a Saudi citizen — by the GDNC, acting in coordination with the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, which controls the security of all land and seaports in the Kingdom.
The street value of the seized amphetamine pills, also known as captagon, ranges between $10 and $25 each. Consequently, the value of the shipment is estimated to be between $111 million and $227 million.
Drug smuggling is a serious crime in Saudi Arabia. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, along with 50 lashes and a fine for first-time offenders involved in smuggling, consuming or marketing drugs. However, individuals who repeatedly commit this crime may face the death penalty, according to the GDNC.
Security authorities urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.
Reports can also be made to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at [email protected]. All information will remain strictly confidential.
