As part of the ongoing efforts of the Saudi security services to combat the scourge of drugs and protect society from its harms, the security patrols in the Asir region were able to arrest a citizen for his involvement in promoting a large quantity of the narcotic plant khat.
According to the official statement, the suspect was apprehended in Al-Farsha Governorate in possession of 33 kilograms of khat, which he intended to distribute within the Kingdom. He was immediately detained, and all initial legal procedures were initiated against him, prior to referring him to the competent authorities for further investigation and the application of the deterrent penalties stipulated by Saudi law.
General context: The ongoing war on drugs
This operation is part of a comprehensive national campaign led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Interior, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, and all security sectors, to eradicate the roots of drug smuggling and trafficking. The Kingdom attaches paramount importance to this issue due to its devastating effects on individuals and society, as criminal networks primarily target young people, posing a direct threat to the nation's security and future.
The khat plant (Catha edulis) is considered a narcotic plant that the Kingdom includes in the schedules of prohibited substances, because it contains the stimulant substances cathinone and cathine, which cause addiction and lead to serious health and psychological problems in the long term.
The importance of the geographical location of the Asir region
Combating khat smuggling in the Asir region is of particular importance due to its geographical location bordering Yemen, where the plant is widely cultivated. Smugglers exploit the region's rugged mountainous terrain to attempt to bring narcotics into the Kingdom. However, the vigilance of the border guards and security patrols stands as a formidable barrier against these attempts, consistently thwarting large-scale smuggling operations not only of khat but also of other drugs such as hashish and amphetamines.
A call for community cooperation
Security authorities reiterate the vital role played by citizens and residents in the success of this national campaign. They urge everyone to report any information they may have regarding drug smuggling or trafficking activities by calling the designated numbers: 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, 999 in the rest of the Kingdom, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control hotline (995), or via email at [email protected] All reports are guaranteed to be kept strictly confidential.
