1% of banned items sneaks through, says Haram official

MAKKAH — An official at the General Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has admitted that despite all measures about 1 percent of illegal items are smuggled into the Grand Mosque by pilgrims and visitors. A source from the presidency said it is the responsibility of the presidency, the special forces at the mosque and the security guards to protect the pilgrims and visitors to the Holy Mosques. “The presidency bans inflammable liquids, burning chemical solutions, food, drinks which contain sugar, accessories, ornaments and utensils. We have security guards and inspectors at every entrance and at every corner inside the Grand Mosque,” the official was quoted as saying by Makkah Arabic daily. The source also said women inspectors check the belongings of women to protect their privacy. The presidency is discussing plans to add electronic devices to scan the pilgrims and visitors instead of the physical presence of inspectors.