Saudi Authorities Bust Khat Smuggling Operation in Jazan
Saudi border guards in the Al-Ardah governate of Jazan region foiled an attempt to smuggle 400 kilograms of the narcotic khat. The seized narcotics were handed over to the competent authority, and preliminary legal procedures were completed, state news agency Saudi Press Agency reported.
Khat is a flowering shrub native to the Arabian Peninsula. Individuals chew khat leaves for their stimulant effects, which are less intense than those caused by abusing cocaine or methamphetamine.
Saudi authorities on Saturday also thwarted an attempt to smuggle more than 6 million Captagon tablets into the country in an operation carried out in cooperation with the Omani police and the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.
The amphetamine pills were found hidden in a shipment of sweets, citrus fruits and nuts. Security authorities have urged people to report any activities related to drug smuggling or promotion by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern Province regions, and 999 for the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.
