Saudi authorities seize 12 million amphetamine pills at Jeddah port

Several attempts to smuggle large quantities of Captagon, a type of amphetamine, have been foiled at Jeddah port in recent years. (@Mokafha_SA)
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Updated 13 November 2024
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Saudi authorities seize 12 million amphetamine pills at Jeddah port

  • Kingdom’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control said that the 11.9 million pills were hidden inside a shipping container
  • Seizure was a joint security effort with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority as part of ongoing counter-narcotics operations

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s counter-narcotics authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle nearly 12 million amphetamine pills through the port in Jeddah.

The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control said on Wednesday that the 11.9 million pills were hidden inside a shipping container of building materials at Jeddah Islamic Port. The pills were concealed behind gypsum boards, SPA reported.

The seizure was a joint security effort with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority as part of ongoing counter-narcotics operations to crack down on criminal networks and smuggling activity to the Kingdom.

Authorities did not announce any arrests in connection with the case. Several attempts to smuggle large quantities of Captagon, a type of amphetamine, have been foiled at Jeddah port in recent years.

In March, authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle nearly 2.5 million amphetamine pills through Jeddah and announced the arrest of several people in the case, who included a Syrian national, two other expatriates and two Saudi citizens.

Captagon is used by young men and teenage boys across the Middle East and has a lucrative street value of between $10 and $25 a pill, according to research by the International Addiction Review Journal.

In 2023, an investigation — “The Kingdom vs Captagon” — carried out by the Arab News Research and Studies Unit, revealed that the Syrian regime and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon were the primary sources of the drugs being smuggled to Saudi Arabia and the Arab region.


Security undersecretary for Al-Jouf region attends the Hajj exhibition

Updated 8 sec ago
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Security undersecretary for Al-Jouf region attends the Hajj exhibition

RIYADH: Mohammed Al-Subaihi, the undersecretary for security affairs in Al-Jouf region attended the “No Hajj without a Permit” mobile exhibition put together by the General Directorate of Border Guard on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exhibition concluded on Friday after presenting material to educate pilgrims on the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations.

It also focused on the penalties levied on individuals who tried to perform Hajj without the proper permit.

 


Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition

Updated 34 min 24 sec ago
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Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition

JEDDAH: Pyramids Group held a press conference at the theater hall of the Jeddah Exhibition and Convention Center to unveil details of the third edition of the Saudi Fashion and Textile Exhibition, scheduled to take place from September 25 to 28.

Attended by a select group of prominent figures, media leaders, fashion designers, influencers, and businessmen.

This exhibition is expected to mark a turning point in the fashion industry in the Kingdom, solidifying its position as a global hub for creativity and fashion.

The exhibition aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to promote the creative industries and attract global brands to the Saudi market

Mohammed Al-Sherif, CEO of Pyramids Group for International Exhibitions and Conferences, confirmed the participation of over 550 exhibitors from 25 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, the USA, Japan, India, the UAE, and others.

“The Saudi Fashion and Textile Exhibition is the gateway to the future of fashion in the Middle East, where the world meets Saudi Arabia. We expect to attract over 18,000 specialized visitors, including wholesalers, fashion designers, retailers, and investors in the industry.”

He added: “The fashion and textile market in the Kingdom has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Saudi Arabia is emerging as one of the most dynamic and promising markets in the world, driven by Vision 2030, a young population, booming retail sector, and a strong push for creativity and sustainability.”

Filiz Karakul, Managing Director of Pyramids Group, stated: “Fashion is the interpretation of society through history, it is a cultural home. That’s why we are here in Jeddah, launching the Saudi Fashion Exhibition for the first time. We are bringing together fashion experts from around the globe to create a global hub for textile innovation and style. It’s more than an event; it’s a new chapter for fashion in Saudi Arabia.”

Riyad Bakili told Arab News: “Saudi Arabia has started to attract designers and European brands from France, Italy, Switzerland, and others, reflecting a growing interest in fashion as part of the tourism experience. Tourism represents a major opportunity to support local fashion and open new horizons for passionate young Saudis.

There’s a new generation that has not yet participated in specialized exhibitions or summits, despite the presence of notable Saudi designers and factories.

He added, “This exhibition, offers an opportunity for those interested to explore new trends in design and discover the distinct styles and embellishments of each designer.

Significant developments are underway in the tourism sector, and we hope everyone participates to benefit from shared knowledge and impactful results.”

Mohammed Al-Safh, Director of the Jeddah Exhibition and Convention Center, said: “This major event is a key platform for local and international companies in the field. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s aspirations to achieve sustainable urban development aligned with the goals of its national vision.”

During the press conference, a short promotional video was presented, highlighting the exhibition’s milestones and previous editions, setting the stage for an exceptional edition that reflects the Kingdom’s ambitions and the flourishing of its fashion industry.

The exhibition will blend tradition with innovation, featuring the latest collections from both global and local designers in a showcase that combines elegance, modernity, and cultural diversity.

It was also an exclusive fashion design competition which willbe held during the exhibition, offering local talents the chance to shine on the global stage by presenting their work to international buyers and media. The competition promises prestigious prizes, global recognition, and potential collaborations with leading fashion houses.

Furthermore, the first International Fashion Conference in the Kingdom was revealed. It will take place during the exhibition and feature expert-led seminars, discussion panels, and advanced workshops on topics such as global fashion trends and market forecasts, sustainable fashion and textiles, AI and digital transformation in design, empowering fashion entrepreneurship as well as merging traditional and modern fashion in the Gulf.


Hajj health-tips kit launches in 8 languages

Updated 16 May 2025
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Hajj health-tips kit launches in 8 languages

  • Kit includes advice to avoid heat exhaustion this Hajj
  • Pilgrims must be vaccinated for stipulated diseases

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Ministry of Health has launched an awareness kit in eight languages for the forthcoming Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The kit contains content in Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Malay and Turkish.

“The multilingual approach aims to reach the widest possible audience of pilgrims arriving from various countries around the world,” the SPA report stated.

Among its key components are guidelines for preventing heat exhaustion. Pilgrims are advised to use umbrellas to reduce direct sun exposure and stay hydrated.

The kit includes videos, social media posts, and printable materials.

Pilgrims are also advised to ensure they are vaccinated for meningococcal meningitis, COVID-19, poliomyelitis and yellow fever, depending on their countries of origin.

The ministry advised pilgrims with chronic diseases to carry documents stating their conditions, and adequate supplies of medications in their original packaging.

It further recommended that pilgrims update vaccinations for diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, chickenpox and mumps.

The kit can be downloaded at: https://www.moh.gov.sa/HealthAwareness/Pilgrims_Health/Pages/Hajj.aspx.


Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

Updated 15 May 2025
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Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

RIYADH: The speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh, received his counterpart from the Arab Parliament, Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, during the 19th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states.

During the meeting in Jakarta, the two reviewed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy carried out through active participation in regional and international conferences and forums.

They also discussed strengthening the mechanisms of joint Arab parliamentary action to serve Arab issues, as well as other topics of common interest.


King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

Updated 15 May 2025
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King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language held a ceremony in Riyadh recently to celebrate the graduation of the second group of non-native speakers from the Abjad Center.

A total of 168 male and female students were honored after fulfilling all the program’s requirements, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the academy, said the Abjad Center offers a learning experience designed to equip non-native speakers with strong and effective communication skills.

Al-Washmi added that the program reflects the refinement of the academy’s educational model, reinforcing its role as a leading scientific authority on the Arabic language.

The initiative amplifies the academy’s educational and cultural impact in line with the objectives of the nation’s Human Capability Development Program, he said.