Saudi Arabia busts drug smuggling network: 37 arrested, including 28 ministry officials

Dubai: Saudi authorities have dismantled a drug trafficking ring involving 37 suspects, including 28 Saudi government employees, the Ministry of Interior announced Sunday.

In a statement, the ministry said the arrests were made based on information collected by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, which uncovered a criminal network operating in the Riyadh and Hail regions. The group is accused of trafficking amphetamine and methamphetamine, as well as trading in other controlled substances.

Among those arrested are employees from the Ministries of Interior, National Guard, Defence, and Health, highlighting what officials described as a serious breach of public trust within state institutions.

The remaining suspects include expatriates: five Syrians, two Ethiopians accused of violating border security regulations, and one Yemeni national. All have been referred to the Public Prosecution following legal procedures.

According to the ministry, the suspects face a range of charges, including smuggling narcotics into the Kingdom, substituting seized drugs with counterfeit substances prior to destruction, and compromising criminal investigations by leaking sensitive information. They are also accused of transporting and promoting illicit substances.

In its statement, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national security and public safety, vowing continued vigilance against criminal networks that seek to destabilise the country through drug-related activities.