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Saudi Customs Confront Drug Smugglers Looking to Exploit Hajj

Saudi Customs, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Customs, Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Customs Confront Drug Smugglers Looking to Exploit Hajj

Saudi Customs, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Customs, Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia’s customs servicemen, counting up to 1,200 member, have successfully foiled gang attempts of trafficking drugs during the Hajj season this year.

With over 1.4 million pilgrims arriving to the kingdom this time of the year, drug traffickers seek the opportune moment to exploit the massive influx of visitors.

Saudi customs, especially at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Medina’s Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport, dedicated to receiving pilgrims, are the first line of defense against crimes.

Customs servicemen have long proved to be guardians of national security. During Hajj, customs also facilitate and ensure that the pilgrims' trip remains safe.

According to Issa al-Issa, an official spokesman for Saudi customs, the Hajj season is exploited by many drugs smugglers.

Al-Issa told Asharq Al-Awsat that the customs personnel rely on inspections of modern technologies such as, live surveillance, sniffer dogs, as well as scanning through suspect bodies with radio waves.

Al-Issa said that Saudi customs deployed over 1,200 individuals to implement a pro-active plan and monitor main ports for the arrival of pilgrims nationwide.

Authorities assigned 317 servicemen to Prince Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Madinah.

On another hand, a total of 895 customs members were deployed to King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah is about.

As for difficulties faced by customs officials during the Hajj season, Al-Issa said that Hajj season is quite challenging, but accumulated customs experience accounts for what is needed to meet these challenges.

Saudi Customs work to protect the country and society from health hazards and security threats by preventing the entry of contraband, all kinds of drugs, weapons and explosives.

It also works on contributing to the achievement of Kingdom Vision 2030.

Based on economic grounds, customs are tasked with prohibiting the entry of counterfeit goods and items violating intellectual property rights, or in violation of standard specifications, to ensure consumer protection.

Customs also facilitate export procedures that contribute to opening up international markets to local products.

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UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
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UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission

The United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a Saudi-drafted resolution aimed at enhancing child protection in the digital realm, a move rooted in a global initiative launched by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

The resolution, introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the UN and international organizations in Geneva, seeks to advance the goals of the Kingdom’s “Child Protection in Cyberspace” initiative.

It aims to translate the initiative’s vision into concrete action through enhanced technical cooperation and capacity building.

Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, presented the draft during the Council’s 59th session under Agenda Item 10, which focuses on technical assistance and capacity development.

The proposal received broad support and was adopted by consensus, with co-sponsorship from Kuwait, Algeria, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam.

Addressing the Council, Khothaila stressed that the digital space has become an integral part of children’s lives, offering immense opportunities for learning and connection, while also exposing them to growing risks.

He underscored the need for stronger international cooperation, national capacity building, and technical support to reinforce national frameworks aimed at child protection.

The resolution reflects the core objectives of the Crown Prince’s initiative, including fostering international cooperation, sharing best practices, raising awareness, and equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills to ensure a safer digital environment for children.

It also highlights the importance of tailoring technical assistance to the specific needs and priorities of each country, with the aim of building sustainable national capacities and enhancing communities’ ability to respond to digital threats facing children.

The resolution underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting global cooperation for a secure and inclusive digital space for children worldwide, in line with its leadership role and pioneering efforts in cybersecurity and child protection.