Residents in Tabuk were arrested for violating environmental regulations and exploiting sediment
As part of the ongoing field efforts by the Saudi Ministry of Interior to promote compliance with environmental regulations and protect natural resources in the Kingdom, the Special Security and Protection Forces announced the implementation of a new arrest operation in the Tabuk region, targeting violators of the regulations in force regarding the exploitation of natural resources.
In detail, field patrols of the Special Security and Protection Forces apprehended two residents, one Egyptian and the other Sudanese, for violating environmental regulations by exploiting sediment in the Tabuk region without obtaining the necessary permits. The forces confirmed that initial legal procedures were completed against the violators, and they were referred to the competent authorities to face the legally prescribed penalties.
The Kingdom's efforts to protect vegetation and natural resources
This operation is part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to preserve the environment. Protecting sedimentary deposits (such as sand, gravel, and soil) from excessive dredging is a fundamental pillar for preventing desertification and preserving the natural topography. Exploiting these resources without a permit is considered a clear violation of public property and a detriment to the ecological balance, a matter that security authorities are addressing firmly.
The Special Security and Protection Forces, working alongside the Special Environmental Security Forces, are establishing a security perimeter around nature reserves and wilderness areas to ensure the preservation of the nation's natural resources. These efforts are of paramount importance in light of the "Saudi Green Initiative" and the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental sustainability to guarantee a better future for generations to come.
The importance of community awareness and reporting violations
Security authorities emphasized that environmental protection is a shared responsibility between the state and society. The Special Security and Protection Forces urged all citizens and residents to immediately report any instances of environmental or wildlife abuse, stressing that community cooperation is the first line of defense against such harmful practices.
Environmental violations can be reported by calling the designated numbers: 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Madinah regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The relevant authorities emphasize that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality and without any legal liability for the reporter, encouraging everyone to contribute to protecting the nation's environment.
