Saudi Arabia: 69 people arrested for illegal collection of firewood

Dubai: A total of 69 people, including Saudis and expatriates, were arrested for illegal collection and transportation of local firewood in various regions of the Kingdom, local media reported.

The Special Forces for Environmental Security, in cooperation with the Public Security forces, seized more than 52 tons of firewood ready for sale, while being transported in 54 vehicles.

A total of 21 citizens and 13 expatriates with 20 vehicles loaded with local firewood were apprehended in Riyadh for violating the Law of Pastures and Forests.

Another group comprising 24 citizens and 10 expatriates were arrested while transporting firewood aboard 24 trucks in the regions of Makkah, Qassim, Hail, Eastern Province, the Northern Borders Region, Jazan, Najran, Al Jouf, and Tabuk.