Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi security authorities have busted two criminal networks involved in drug smuggling and trafficking in the Riyadh and Jazan regions. A total of 13 gang members were arrested and they included seven government employees and six foreigners, according to an official source at the Ministry of Interior.

The arrested people included two employees of the Ministry of Defense, one employee of the Ministry of Interior and four employees of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, in addition to three Yemeni and Syrian residents each. They were referred to the Public Prosecution after taking the necessary legal measures, the source said.

The arrested members of the two gangs were found involved in the smuggling and trafficking of amphetamine tablets and hashish through King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Farasan Island in Jazan. The security authorities followed up on drug smuggling activities into the Kingdom and their promotion therein, based on the information received by the ministry, and this resulted in the arrest and dismantling of the two criminal networks.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated that the security authorities will confront anyone who dares to tamper with the security and stability of this country and the security of its citizens and residents on its territories. It said that the security authorities are vigilant against all criminal plots being hatched to target the security of the nation and its youth with the scourge of drugs.