Saudi Arabia foils drug smuggling attempt in Oman and seizes crystal meth in Riyadh

In a new preemptive strike that confirms the vigilance of the security services and the strength of regional cooperation, the security spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Interior, Brigadier General Talal bin Abdul Mohsen bin Shalhoub, announced the success of a joint security operation that resulted in thwarting attempts to smuggle huge quantities of narcotics into the Sultanate of Oman, in conjunction with another qualitative operation inside the Kingdom.

Gulf cooperation thwarts smuggling schemes

Brigadier General Ben Shalhoub explained that precise intelligence provided by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to its counterpart in the Sultanate of Oman led the competent Omani authorities to thwart two attempts to smuggle more than 200 kilograms of narcotics. This achievement comes within the framework of the security integration strategy among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which aims to cut off drug trafficking routes and exchange real-time information on the suspicious movements of transnational criminal networks.

This cooperation reflects the advanced level of coordination between Riyadh and Muscat in facing common security challenges, as combating drugs is a top priority to protect Gulf societies from this scourge that directly targets the youth and the capabilities of nations.

Quality control in Riyadh

In a related development concerning domestic efforts, the security spokesperson revealed a successful operation carried out by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control in cooperation with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority in the Riyadh region. The operation resulted in the dismantling of a cell comprised of six Pakistani residents, who were apprehended in the act of receiving a large shipment of methamphetamine (crystal meth) weighing 71 kilograms.

The war on drugs: protecting society and the future

These simultaneous operations are part of Saudi Arabia’s resolute “war on drugs,” employing the latest technologies and intelligence methods to monitor and track smugglers and dealers. These efforts are of paramount importance given the devastating effects of methamphetamine and other drugs on the mental and physical health of users, as well as their severe economic and social consequences.

The Ministry of Interior affirmed its continued determination to confront anyone who dares to compromise the security and stability of the Kingdom, stressing that the security services are on the lookout for all criminal plots, whether they are within the borders or across them.

Call for community participation

The security spokesperson concluded his statement by calling on all citizens and residents to contribute to these national efforts by reporting any suspicious activities related to drug smuggling or trafficking. They can contact the following numbers:

• 911: In the regions of Mecca, Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
• 999In the rest of the Kingdom.
• 995The number for reporting to the General Directorate for Drug Control.

The ministry stressed that all reports are handled with complete confidentiality, which ensures the safety of the reporter and strengthens the role of the community as the first line of defense against this scourge.