As part of the ongoing and intensive security efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to combat the scourge of drugs and protect society from its dangers, security patrols in the Asir region dealt another blow to drug dealers. The patrols successfully apprehended a Saudi citizen involved in trafficking a large quantity of the narcotic plant khat in the Al-Farsha governorate of the Asir region.
Security officials explained that the operation resulted in the seizure of 16 kilograms of the narcotic substance khat in the suspect's possession. The suspect was immediately arrested, and all initial legal procedures were completed before referring him to the Public Prosecution and other relevant authorities to apply the deterrent penalties stipulated by law in the Kingdom.
The War on Drugs: A Comprehensive National Strategy
This successful operation is part of the "war on drugs" being waged resolutely by the Saudi Ministry of Interior and all security sectors. The Kingdom places great importance on pursuing drug smugglers and traffickers, given the direct threat this scourge poses to social, health, and economic security. Security agencies operate according to well-defined plans to monitor criminal networks and thwart their attempts to smuggle and distribute narcotics, whether across borders or within cities and provinces.
The role of security regiments in mountainous and border regions
The role of the Security Regiments is particularly crucial in areas with challenging terrain and border regions, such as the Asir region. These forces serve as a vital line of defense, supporting other security sectors in maintaining order and preventing infiltration and smuggling. The Security Regiments' personnel are highly trained and possess in-depth knowledge of the region's topography, enabling them to detect suspicious movements and apprehend smugglers and traffickers who attempt to exploit the mountainous terrain to carry out their crimes.
The harms of khat and its legal classification
In Saudi Arabia, khat is classified as a narcotic and is illegal due to its content of chemical compounds (such as cathinone and cathine) that affect the central nervous system. Medical and social studies confirm that khat use leads to serious health problems, in addition to draining family resources and weakening social bonds. The Kingdom applies strict penalties to anyone found to be involved in cultivating, smuggling, distributing, or using this plant, in order to protect youth and society.
Call for community participation in reporting
Security authorities reiterate their ongoing call to all citizens and residents to contribute to this national effort by immediately reporting any suspicious activities related to drug smuggling or trafficking. The Ministry emphasizes that community cooperation is the cornerstone of the success of security campaigns.
Reports can be made confidentially and securely through the following official channels:
- The number (911) is used in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.
- The number (999) in the rest of the Kingdom.
- General Directorate for Drug Control reporting number (995).
- Email address : 995@gdnc.gov.sa
The relevant authorities emphasize that all reports are subject to complete confidentiality, and the informant bears no legal responsibility, which reinforces the citizen's role as the "first line of defense" in maintaining the safety of the nation.
