How Saudi Arabia prioritizes rehabilitation in its crackdown on meth, Captagon and other narcotics

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Shabu, the street name for crystal meth in Saudi Arabia and some parts of the world, is widely sought owing to its relatively low production cost. (Shutterstock image)
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Updated 27 June 2023
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How Saudi Arabia prioritizes rehabilitation in its crackdown on meth, Captagon and other narcotics

  • Helping addicts break their habit is just as important as fighting smuggling gangs, say health professionals
  • A new documentary by Arab News delves into the Kingdom’s battle against drug production, use and trafficking

JEDDAH: Flames spewed from the wreckage of a vehicle on the outskirts of Saudi Arabia’s coastal city of Jeddah one evening in late December. Nearby lay the charred remains of Bandar Al-Qarhadi — a lifeless embodiment of the city’s drug problem.

Footage emerged on social media later that evening showing Al-Qarhadi’s final moments as he was engulfed in flames, having escaped from the back of the burning vehicle, doused in gasoline, his hands bound.

Al-Qarhadi was killed by his best friend, a crystal methamphetamine addict, who was handed the death penalty for his crime. The tragedy highlighted the nature of the problem facing law enforcement agencies and health professionals.

In Saudi Arabia, the street name for crystal meth is shabu. It is also variously known as ice, LA glass, stove top, quartz, crank, hiropon, and poor man’s cocaine, owing to its relatively low production cost.




Crystal meth, a derivative of amphetamines. (SPA photo)

Popular as an underground party drug in the 1980s and 1990s, the drug soon spread across the globe, quickly becoming one of the most dangerous and highly addictive narcotic substances in the world.

The ease with which it can be produced, at relatively low cost, high profit, and without detection by law enforcement, was memorably depicted in the hit US television series “Breaking Bad.” But so too were its devastating consequences.

For drug traffickers, Saudi Arabia is a target market for amphetamines, particularly Captagon. Between 2019 and 2020, the Kingdom seized some 30 tons of illicit drugs, 99 percent of which were Captagon pills.




For drug traffickers, Saudi Arabia is a target market for amphetamines, particularly Captagon. (SPA photo)

However, authorities and health professionals are increasingly concerned by the growing number of people becoming hooked on crystal meth, a derivative of amphetamines, which has reached epidemic proportions in many countries.

In Saudi Arabia, a country that imposes strict laws against the import, manufacture, possession, and use of illicit drugs, punishments for dealers and users include prison sentences, hefty fines, and deportation.

In recent months, the Kingdom’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control has made numerous major drug busts and arrests to try and curb the trafficking of meth. Public health campaigns have also been launched to help raise awareness about the growing problem.

A captivating new documentary by Arab News, titled “Abu Hilalain: Inside the Kingdom’s crackdown on Captagon,” sheds light on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to combat the spread of the drug.

The Arab News team behind the film traveled across three countries, uncovering the extensive operations of Captagon trafficking and its affects on the region. 

Premiered at an exclusive screening at the BFI in London, the documentary, produced in collaboration with Lambda, was presented on June 26, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Based on a Deep Dive investigation published by Arab News in February 2023, “Abu Hilalain: Inside the Kingdom’s crackdown on Captagon” provides an in-depth and gripping exploration of the drug’s impact on society.

The 2022 report of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime said that globally, 525 tons of illicit amphetamine-type stimulant drugs were seized in 2020, which represented a 15 percent increase year-on-year, and marked the continuation of the upward trend observed over the period 2010–2020.

Across the Arab region, rates of addiction, debilitating psychiatric disorders, and violent crime have continued to rise, with the war on drugs seemingly no closer to halting the production, trafficking, selling, and use of meth and other illicit substances.

“The problem is growing across the world and Saudi Arabia’s not immune to this problem,” Dr. Sultan Alwajeeh, a public health and addiction specialist, told Arab News. “Shabu’s effects are severe.”

The majority of addicts fall within the 18-30 demographic, said Dr. Alwajeeh, with many becoming users as a result of peer pressure or family problems. It is not uncommon for psychological disorders to develop as a result.

“Of course, each case is different, but that depends on your precognitive situation, genetics, the frequency of use and dosage, including how predisposed you are to mental health illnesses,” said Alwajeeh.


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“But the drug itself is dirty, purely chemical, and can have severe effects even if you’re a social user.”

Meth contains pseudoephedrine, a chemical usually found in cold and allergy medications. However, it is often cut with other hazardous substances, such as battery acid, drain cleaner, and even crushed glass.

It can be ingested in pill form, injected in a fluid state intravenously, or more commonly smoked in its crystal form — a method known in Saudi Arabia as “gargoor,” referring to the gurgling sound it makes with each puff.

With time and chronic use, Alwajeeh said meth can lead to psychological dependence, hallucinations, aggression, and memory loss.

Long-term use often causes persistent feelings of paranoia and suspicion. Users may become overly fearful and convinced others are plotting against them before lashing out. They may also develop symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Meth-induced psychosis is often indistinguishable from paranoid schizophrenia.

“It’s an unnatural drug (and) very cheap,” said Alwajeeh. “(It) has a stronger effect than other stimulants, a longer high, and instantaneous gratification.

FASTFACTS

Observed every year on June 26, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a UN campaign against the illegal drug trade.

A new documentary by Arab News, titled “Abu Hilalain: Inside the Kingdom’s crackdown on Captagon,” delves into Saudi Arabia’s battle against Captagon, examining its origins, methods of production, and trafficking of the drug while investigating its consumption within the country.

“This is the high, or euphoria, that drug users are looking for. The rush of the dopamine is stronger than all the stimulants found in Saudi Arabia, including qat, a common stimulant for the Yemeni community (or) goro for the Nigerian community in Makkah and Jeddah.”

Soon, the user’s brain starts to rely on the drug to get the desired dopamine rush that is no longer sufficiently provided by normal life.




A shabu drug laboratory. (Shutterstock photo)

“What starts off as a good feeling from a hug, for example, or an intimate encounter with a partner … (or) finishing a complicated task … all dissipates with time because the brain tricks the user into believing ‘it’s not good enough, I want more,’ because it’s so euphoric, but not euphoric enough,” said Alwajeeh.

The results can be catastrophic for the user and those around them.

“The leading violent act by crystal users in the Kingdom has to be traffic accidents, as they experience an out-of-body experience, impaired judgment, and can’t comprehend or take in their surroundings,” said Alwajeeh.

“We see more drug users today than a couple of years ago and every six months we hear of a horrible crime committed.” And yet, he says, the issue has received scant attention. “In my opinion, it shouldn’t receive less attention than war or terrorism.”




Various items used in combination with injecting methamphetamine. (Shutterstock)

Although the war on drugs is typically seen as a matter for law enforcement agencies, focused on tackling the trade at its source, it is only half the battle. Helping addicts break their habit and rebuild their lives is arguably just as important.

“One of the most difficult stages of treatment is the stage of detoxification, which lasts from a week to one month, during which he suffers,” Khalid Al-Mashari, CEO of Qaweem, a drug rehabilitation center with facilities in Riyadh and Jeddah, told Arab News.

“Shabu causes severe withdrawal symptoms that (place) the recovering person in a state of agitation and possibly continuous convulsions (making them) difficult to control. Another challenge is peer pressure detaching the patient from people in the addiction circle. They must be cut off completely for recovery.”

Fortunately, if a user receives timely assistance, their chances of getting clean and avoiding relapse are high.

“The success rate can reach 70 percent if the recovering person can stay away from people, places and stimuli,” said Al-Mashari.

“The longer the recovery period, especially after the first three months, the closer he will be to a life worth living as an acceptable and productive person in society.”

 

The Kingdom vs Captagon
Inside Saudi Arabia's war against the drug destroying lives across the Arab world

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Restoration efforts bring new life to Saudi historic Kasbat Al-Midmar

Updated 20 July 2025
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Restoration efforts bring new life to Saudi historic Kasbat Al-Midmar

  • The recently restored structure is now preserved under the supervision of Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission

RIYADH: In the heart of Badr Al-Janoub governorate, the historic Kasbat Al-Midmar rises proudly from the old district — a striking reminder of Saudi Arabia’s deep architectural and cultural heritage.

Built more than 300 years ago, the kasbah, or watchtower, is a seven-story mudbrick structure designed in the traditional circular form, wide at the base and tapering as it ascends, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Originally built as a watchtower to safeguard nearby farmlands, it still looks out over the village and valley today.

FASTFACT

Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission continues to protect and restore the region’s historic buildings, placing them on the National Antiquities Register as part of the Kingdom’s cultural legacy.

The recently restored structure is now preserved under the supervision of the Kingdom’s Heritage Commission.

Surrounding the kasbah are the remnants of traditional mud houses, part of a network of historical fortresses and homes that reflect the enduring legacy of the region.

These buildings illustrate the ingenuity of local architecture and the importance of such fortifications in the daily life of previous communities.

Manea Naji Al-Saad, vice president of the Najran Society for History and Archaeology, told SPA that the governorate where aware that Badr Al-Janoub is rich in archeological sites, including old mud houses and Qishla Castle, which stands atop Mount Al-Qarah.

Nearby is Al-Thaghr Palace, a structure dating back to the First Saudi State. Built by the order of Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammad in 1221 AH, the four-story palace is made of stone and features a large protective wall and a deep central well.

The commission continues to protect and restore the region’s historic buildings, placing them on the National Antiquities Register as part of the Kingdom’s cultural legacy, the SPA reported.

 


Research grants to revive Saudi Arabia’s craft heritage

Updated 20 July 2025
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Research grants to revive Saudi Arabia’s craft heritage

  • Program offers funding in six categories to explore how traditional skills sustain culture and economy

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Heritage Commission, has announced a new research grant initiative to study traditional handicrafts.

As part of the Year of Handicrafts campaign, the program invites scholars to examine how traditional crafts preserve cultural knowledge, embody inherited skills, fulfill social roles, and reflect economic practices that have shaped Saudi society.

The grant covers six research categories to provide insights into handicraft studies. Applications are open until Sept. 1, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Historical research will trace the development of surviving and lost crafts over time, examining how social, economic, and political changes have influenced them.

A second category focuses on craft promotion, investigating initiatives to support and institutionalize traditional handicrafts in contemporary Saudi society.

Economic impact and creative economy studies will analyze how handicrafts contribute to the national economy, including comparisons of domestic and international markets for handmade cultural goods.

Technology integration research explores how modern techniques, design and digital tools intersect with traditional methods to create market-ready products.

Social research will examine community relationships with handicrafts and how cultural perceptions affect the sector’s growth and sustainability.

The final category addresses conceptual frameworks, critically analyzing handicraft terminology, its evolution, and making comparisons with related concepts such as cultural industries, fine arts, and the roles of craftspeople versus artists.

Applicants must hold an advanced degree, master’s or doctorate, or demonstrate equivalent expertise through substantial research. Late submissions will not be considered.

Selected researchers must produce publication-ready papers suitable for peer-reviewed journals and comply with all guidelines and documentation on the grant website. Simultaneous submission to other funding bodies is prohibited unless the applicant withdraws from this program.

Beyond supporting individual projects, the grant aims to strengthen local expertise in handicraft studies, foster researcher networks, and promote traditional handicrafts as a key element of Saudi culture. Interested researchers can apply through the ministry’s website.

 


Saudi project clears 971 explosive devices in Yemen

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied)
Updated 20 July 2025
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Saudi project clears 971 explosive devices in Yemen

  • The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 971 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 891 unexploded ordnance, 78 anti-tank mines, one anti-personnel mine and one improvised explosive device, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 506,437 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

Project Masam trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Beit Hail festival draws 65,000 visitors since launch

Updated 20 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Beit Hail festival draws 65,000 visitors since launch

  • Event features an art pavilion presenting notable artists, a resin art exhibit and a folk theater
  • Several government leaders have visited the festival, praising its activities for recalling memories of traditional life

RIYADH: A heritage festival in Hail, northwestern Saudi Arabia, has attracted more than 65,000 visitors since it launched on June 28 from various Saudi cities as well as Gulf and international destinations.

The 30-day Beit Hail Festival at Aja Park offers a vibrant mix of cultural, artistic and heritage experiences, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The festival will continue until July 27, offering an immersive celebration of cultural heritage that includes handicrafts, traditional dishes and Thamudic inscriptions.

Beit Hail features an art pavilion showcasing notable artists, a resin art exhibit, a folk theater, residential models inspired by heritage and performances highlighting the culture of Aseer province.

Several government leaders have visited the festival, praising its activities for recalling memories of traditional life and showcasing conventional methods of meeting daily needs, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Saudi minister leads KSA delegation at G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in South Africa

Updated 20 July 2025
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Saudi minister leads KSA delegation at G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in South Africa

  • Saudi Central Bank Governor Ayman Al-Sayari was among the officials in attendance

KwaZulu-Natal: Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan recently led the Kingdom’s delegation at the Third Meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

At the meeting, the Saudi minister highlighted the need to accelerate reforms of the international trading system, adding that longstanding issues now require urgent action, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

“It is important that we move forward with reforms that reflect today’s evolving realities,” Al-Jadaan said.

Saudi Central Bank Governor Ayman Al-Sayari was among the officials in attendance.