Saudi Arabia Foils Attempt to Smuggle 1.5 Million Amphetamine Pills Into Kingdom

 A Saudi customs officer in the port of Jeddah examines the pomegranate shipment from Lebanon found to be stuffed with more than 5m captagon pills (Saudi Press Agency via AP)
A Saudi customs officer in the port of Jeddah examines the pomegranate shipment from Lebanon found to be stuffed with more than 5m captagon pills (Saudi Press Agency via AP)
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Saudi Arabia Foils Attempt to Smuggle 1.5 Million Amphetamine Pills Into Kingdom

 A Saudi customs officer in the port of Jeddah examines the pomegranate shipment from Lebanon found to be stuffed with more than 5m captagon pills (Saudi Press Agency via AP)
A Saudi customs officer in the port of Jeddah examines the pomegranate shipment from Lebanon found to be stuffed with more than 5m captagon pills (Saudi Press Agency via AP)

Saudi authorities, in cooperation with the UAE, thwarted an attempt to smuggle 1.5 million amphetamine pills into the Kingdom.

The pills were found hidden inside a truck to be smuggled with large quantities of corn grain at Batha port.

Official Spokesman of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) Major Mohammed Al-Nujaidi said that the continuous security efforts of the Kingdom in the war on drugs led to foiling the criminal act.

He said the operation was conducted in cooperation with the Emirati authorities and in coordination with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.

“A total of 1,531,791 amphetamine pills were seized in possession of two people, a Saudi citizen and Syrian resident, in Riyadh,” Major Al-Nujaidi said.

The Saudi official added that preliminary legal measures have been taken against the arrested who were duly referred to the public prosecution, stressing that GDNC personnel will be ready to deal with whoever violates the regulations of the Kingdom that bans smuggling, promoting and consuming all types of drugs.

He also praised the cooperation with relevant security apparatuses in the UAE.



Saudi Govt Underscores Importance of Respecting Syria’s Sovereignty, Independence

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Underscores Importance of Respecting Syria’s Sovereignty, Independence

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government underscored on Tuesday the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and independence, reiterating its statement at the extraordinary meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The government also rejected foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, renewed support for the Palestinian people and urged the need for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The cabinet was briefed on Saudi Arabia’s talks with friendly nations over the past week, including the message received by King Salman from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The cabinet discussed regional and international developments, and emphasized the Kingdom's continuous efforts to foster cooperation through bilateral relations, and its membership in multilateral organizations and groups. All its efforts aim to address global challenges, promote security, and advance prosperity in the region and beyond.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary expressed the cabinet's strong condemnation of the ongoing violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. It unequivocally rejected and condemned any attempt at altering Jerusalem's historical and legal status, calling on the international community to hold the Israeli authorities accountable for the grave violations against innocent civilians and Islamic holy sites in Palestine.

Moreover, the cabinet highlighted Saudi Arabia’s latest economic assistance to Yemen, saying it reflects the Kingdom's commitment to stability in the country and helping the Yemeni people.

The support aims to strengthen Yemen's economic, financial, and monetary foundations, build the capacity of government institutions, and empower the private sector to drive sustainable growth and create job opportunities.

The cabinet reviewed the performance indicators of several key economic sectors in the Kingdom, and commended the significant growth of the non-profit sector, which plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare, education, research, and other vital areas, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.