Abu Dhabi: An attempt to smuggle more than five million amphetamine tablets hidden inside packages of oranges has been thwarted, said spokesperson for the Saudi General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), Captain Mohammed bin Khaled Al Najidi.
Four smugglers, including two Saudi citizens, a resident of an unidentified nationality and a Syrian, were arrested in connection with the massive haul of 5.2 million pills of the highly addictive drug that stimulates the central nervous system, Al Najidi said.
The suspects were remanded in custody pending a move to Public Prosecution for further interrogation and trial, police said.
Al Najidi confirmed the GDNC’s determination to follow-up on all drug-related criminal activities, as well as to track down people involved in the illegal trade.
He urged members of the public to report anyone involved in drug trafficking by calling the toll-free number 995.
Saudi authorities have thwarted the smuggling of 90 million amphetamine pills, 7.9 tons of hashish and 5.5 kg of cocaine in three months, Minister of Interior, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, said early this month.
Drug offences are punishable by death in Saudi Arabia.
