Saudi Arabia Drug Busts Net Thousands of Arrests

⁣ Updated June 13, ⁢2025

Saudi authorities have apprehended more than 2,400 individuals and confiscated significant amounts of illegal drugs in a series of coordinated operations. The crackdown targeted smuggling activities across several regions, including Tabuk, Jazan, Aseer, Najran, Makkah, Madinah, and the‍ Eastern Province.

The General Directorate of⁣ Border Guard reported the seizure ⁣of 2,756,806 amphetamine‍ tablets,alongside 1,944,230 tablets regulated for medical use. Authorities also confiscated four tons of hashish and⁤ 180 tons of khat during these operations aimed at combating illegal drug trade and enhancing border security.

The arrested individuals included 1,518 Ethiopians, 842 Yemenis, seven Sudanese, six Eritreans, three Somalis, two Pakistanis, and 33 Saudi citizens, all allegedly involved in the attempted⁤ smuggling operations. The Saudi Ministry of Interior is actively encouraging residents to report any information regarding drug smuggling or promotion to the authorities.

Reports can be filed by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions, or by calling 999 in other regions. Citizens may also contact the General Directorate of Border Guard at 994 or the General Directorate⁣ of Narcotics Control at 995. Tips can be emailed to 995@gdnc.gov.sa. The ministry assures complete confidentiality for all ⁢reports.

What’s next

Saudi⁤ Arabia is expected to continue its intensified efforts to combat drug smuggling ‍and trafficking, reinforcing border security and collaborating with international partners to disrupt criminal networks.