Saudi Arabia on Thursday announced the interception of 1.5 million Captagon pills in Riyadh hidden in a shipment of tables.
The Ministry of Interior said the operation led to the arrest of three Syrians and one Saudi citizen. The shipment's country of origin was not disclosed.
“The General Directorate of Narcotics Control seized 1,520,000 tablets of the narcotic substance amphetamine hidden inside a shipment of tables in the Riyadh region,” a statement read.
“The intended recipients were arrested in the Riyadh and Eastern regions and include three Syrian nationals and one Saudi citizen."
Security officials urged citizens and residents to report any information related to drug trafficking or distribution.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have stepped up efforts to combat the smuggling of Captagon, an amphetamine-like stimulant that has raised alarm across the region due to its widespread use.
Syria was the region's primary producer of Captagon until the fall of former president Bashar Al Assad in December, although he had denied his government's involvement. The new administration has pledged to crack down on the production and trafficking of the drug.
Anti-drugs campaign
In 2021, it was estimated the Syrian government generated more than $5 billion from the Captagon trade. The drug is transported to some Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, leading to a string of high-profile seizures.
In February, Saudi authorities arrested 15 state employees in connection with three criminal networks involved in drug trafficking. A Ministry of Interior official said a total of 19 people were detained in the Asir, Jazan and Eastern provinces.
The groups were allegedly involved in smuggling drugs across the kingdom and laundering the proceeds. Those arrested included five Interior Ministry employees, seven from the Tax and Customs Authority and three from the Ministry of Defence.
A month earlier, Saudi Arabia executed six Iranians convicted of drug smuggling, state news agency SPA reported, an act that prompted protests from the government in Tehran. In 2023, Saudi authorities launched a widely publicised anti-drugs campaign involving raids, arrests and public awareness drives.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Who: France v Italy
When: Friday, 11pm (UAE)
TV: BeIN Sports
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
