Saudi authorities seize 293 kg of khat, 16 kg of hashish in anti-drug operations

JAZAN/ASIR — Saudi authorities arrested eight border security violators and one citizen in separate anti-drug operations, seizing a combined 293 kilograms of khat, 16 kilograms of hashish, and 37,290 tablets. In Asir, Border Guard land patrols in the Al-Rabwah Sector arrested eight Ethiopian border security violators for attempting to smuggle 160 kilograms of khat. In a separate operation in Asir, security patrols arrested a Saudi citizen for possessing 133 kilograms of khat concealed inside his vehicle. **media[2748285]** Meanwhile, in Jazan, Border Guard land patrols in the Al-Aridah Sector foiled an attempt to smuggle 16 kilograms of hashish and 37,290 tablets subject to medical circulation regulations. In the Asir Border Guard case, the suspects and seized contraband were handed over to the competent authority, while the citizen arrested by security patrols was referred to the competent authority. In the Jazan case, the seized contraband was handed over to the competent authority. **media[2748283]** 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.