Saudi authorities thwart 147kg methamphetamine smuggling operation

1 / 2
Saudi Arabia implements severe laws for those who are involved in smuggling narcotics. (SPA)
2 / 2
Short Url
Updated 16 April 2025
Follow

Saudi authorities thwart 147kg methamphetamine smuggling operation

Four men have been arrested after an attempt to smuggle 147kg of methamphetamine into Saudi Arabia, state news agency SPA reported on Wednesday.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), in collaboration with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority found the drugs concealed in a marble shipment arriving at Jeddah Islamic Port.

Following the operation, authorities arrested four individuals linked to the case — three Pakistani residents and one Saudi national.

Saudi Arabia implements severe laws for those who are involved in smuggling narcotics, the severest being the death penalty, according to the Saudi Ministry of Interior.

Security authorities urge the public to report any information related to drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.

They may also contact GDNC at 995 or through email: [email protected]

All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.


Over 17,000 inspections conducted in Madinah ahead of Ramadan

Updated 19 February 2026
Follow

Over 17,000 inspections conducted in Madinah ahead of Ramadan

  • Ongoing operational plan involves more than 5,700 personnel, supported by over 1,230 pieces of equipment and machinery
  • Work is focusing on health and commercial inspection tours - raising compliance levels with regulatory requirements

RIYADH: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, represented by the Madinah Regional Municipality, has intensified field and operational preparations to improve service readiness and ensure uninterrupted services for visitors to the holy city during Ramadan, which began Wednesday.

The ongoing operational plan involves more than 5,700 personnel, supported by over 1,230 pieces of equipment and machinery, reflecting the scale of the preparations and the municipality’s capacity to manage the expected crowds and increased activity.

The work is focusing on health and commercial inspection tours, raising compliance levels with regulatory requirements, and boosting oversight of activities related to public health and food safety to ensure a safe and healthy environment, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The ministry has conducted more than 13,000 inspections targeting health-related activities and nearly 4,000 covering commercial activities. 

In addition, 8,000 food and water samples are being collected to verify compliance with approved health standards, as part of an integrated inspection system based on precise performance indicators.

The ministry has enhanced the readiness of emergency teams by implementing 12 alternative plans to ensure rapid response to emergencies and the continued efficient delivery of municipal services during peak times through its executive arm, Madinah Municipality.