Saudi security forces seize drugs worth SR5bn in 2011

The total value of drugs seized by Saudi security forces in 2011 was more than SR5 billion, said Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki on Saturday while announcing the arrest of 362 new alleged drug smugglers and traffickers. Al-Turki said the suspects, 78 Saudis and 284 foreigners, were arrested in 31 operations in October and November this year, adding that seven policemen and a smuggler were injured during the operations. "During these operations, security forces seized 4.83 kg of raw hashish, 5.82 kg of hashish, and 4.92 million Captagon pills valued at more than SR866.77 million," Al-Turki said while commending the cooperation and coordination between the customs department and security officers. In the months June to September, police arrested 475 people involved in drug smuggling and seized drugs worth more than SR1.71 billion. Among those arrested were 204 Saudis, 72 Yemenis and 199 belonging 24 other nationalities. A security officer named Majed bin Mubarak Al-Rahmani died and eight of his colleagues wounded while a trafficker was killed and three others wounded in one of these operations. Al-Turki said security forces also seized SR25 million in cash from drug traffickers during 2011. “The majority of drug smuggling operations took place through the Kingdom’s northern border,” he said, adding that most drug packages traveled through Syria. The spokesman said the Kingdom was ready to provide information to other countries on drug smuggling operations and urged their cooperation to help the Kingdom get rid of the social evil. He indicated that many Saudi students take drugs during exam times. However, he denied suggestions that drug traffickers were targeting the Kingdom’s student community. “About 99 percent of drug trafficking operations take place through trucks,” Al-Turki said. “Almost every day the Kingdom’s drug enforcement officers battle with drug smugglers,” he said. He denied accusations that customs officers’ negligence was one of the reasons for growing drug smuggling cases. He said there was a remarkable decline in drug smuggling cases during the Haj season. “This shows growing awareness among pilgrims.” He urged parents and families to keep a close watch on their children to prevent them from becoming drug addicts.