Saudi authorities have thwarted attempts to smuggle more than 350,000 amphetamine tablets, 1.5 million tablets subject to medical circulation regulations, 2.6 tonnes of hashish, and 144 tonnes of the narcotic qat, the Saudi Press Agency Spa said on Monday.
Authorities conducted mass arrests in the regions of Tabuk, Jazan, Asir, and Najran, where hundreds of suspected smugglers were detained, the agency added. The suspects include 995 Ethiopians, 695 Yemenis, one Eritrean, one Somali, one Sudanese and 15 Saudi citizens.
The drug bust comes as part of the Ministry of Interior’s continuing efforts to monitor smuggling and trafficking activities that threaten the security of the kingdom and its youth, said Spa. Security officials urged citizens and residents to come forward if they have any information related to the trafficking or distribution of drugs.
Last month, a joint Saudi-Lebanese operation thwarted an attempt to smuggle more than five million amphetamine pills.
The operation highlights intensifying regional collaboration to confront the growing threat of amphetamine smuggling in the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia has stepped up efforts in recent years to intercept drugs at their source and enhance intelligence sharing with partners in a bid to dismantle smuggling networks.
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UJDA CHAMAN
Produced: Panorama Studios International
Directed: Abhishek Pathak
Cast: Sunny Singh, Maanvi Gagroo, Grusha Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla
Rating: 3.5 /5 stars
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Syria 1-1 Australia
Syria Al Somah 85'
Australia Kruse 40'
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The flights
The closest international airport to the TMB trail is Geneva (just over an hour’s drive from the French ski town of Chamonix where most people start and end the walk). Direct flights from the UAE to Geneva are available with Etihad and Emirates from about Dh2,790 including taxes.
The trek
The Tour du Mont Blanc takes about 10 to 14 days to complete if walked in its entirety, but by using the services of a tour operator such as Raw Travel, a shorter “highlights” version allows you to complete the best of the route in a week, from Dh6,750 per person. The trails are blocked by snow from about late October to early May. Most people walk in July and August, but be warned that trails are often uncomfortably busy at this time and it can be very hot. The prime months are June and September.
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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