Saudi authorities seize 260 kg of khat, arrest 17 in separate anti-drug operations

RIYADH — Saudi authorities arrested a combined 15 border security violators and two residents in separate anti-drug operations across regions, seizing 260 kilograms of khat and 22,417 tablets subject to medical circulation regulations. In Jazan, Border Guard land patrols in the Al-Daer Sector arrested eight Ethiopian border security violators for attempting to smuggle 160 kilograms of khat. **media[2741813]** In a separate operation in Asir, Border Guard land patrols in the Al-Rabwa Sector arrested five Ethiopian border security violators for attempting to smuggle 100 kilograms of khat. Meanwhile, in Riyadh, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested two residents of Ghanaian and Ethiopian nationalities for promoting 22,417 tablets subject to medical circulation regulations. Authorities said the necessary legal procedures had been completed. In the Jazan and Asir cases, the suspects and the seized narcotics were handed over to the competent authority, while in Riyadh the suspects were referred to the Public Prosecution. **media[2741814]** Authorities urged the public to report any information related to drug smuggling or trafficking by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, 999 in the rest of the Kingdom, 994 for the Border Guard, or 995 for the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. Reports can also be submitted via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa.Authorities reiterated that all reports are handled with complete confidentiality and that informants bear no legal responsibility.