The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia has disclosed the disbanding of a drug smuggling and trafficking syndicate operating in the Riyadh region. A total of 21 individuals were apprehended, with 16 of them having ties to various ministries, including the Ministries of Interior, National Guard, Defence, Municipalities, Housing, and Justice. The arrests were executed following intelligence collected by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. Legal proceedings are underway against all those implicated, and the cases have been forwarded to the Public Prosecution for further legal action. The suspects face multiple charges, such as smuggling drugs into the Kingdom and substituting seized narcotics with similar substances prior to their destruction by authorities. Additionally, they are accused of transporting and promoting drugs, engaging in illegal drug trades, and undermining drug-related investigations by leaking information about convictions. The authority has reiterated its dedication to combating threats to national security and public safety. The Ministry of Interior continues to be vigilant against criminal activities that seek to destabilize the country and endanger its citizens and residents through drug-related crimes.
Text: Lara Palmer
16.10.2024
21 Suspects Arrested, Including Individuals Linked to Key Ministries