RIYADH: Saudi authorities have thwarted an attempt to smuggle 349,710 Captagon pills into the Kingdom through the Jadidat Arar land crossing on the border with Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority said that the pills were discovered concealed within a shipment labeled as “equipment used in polishing tiles.”
Upon arrival at the port, the shipment was subjected to rigorous customs procedures, including inspection through advanced security technologies and live methods, which led to the discovery of the hidden narcotics.
Following the seizure, the authority coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to apprehend the intended recipients of the illicit shipment within Saudi Arabia. As a result, four individuals were arrested.
The authority reiterated its commitment to tightening customs controls over the Kingdom's imports and exports, emphasizing its dedication to thwarting smuggling attempts. This effort comes as part of of the authority’s broader strategy to enhance security and protect society by curbing the infiltration of drugs and other prohibited items.
The authority called on the public to help in the fight against smuggling to protect society and the national economy by contacting the 1910 number designated for security reports, or via email 1910@zatca.gov.sa, or the international number 00966114208417.
Whistle-blowers can report smuggling and customs violations through these channels in strict confidentiality, and will receive a financial reward if their information is correct.
Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle nearly 350,000 pills from Iraqi border
https://arab.news/b4ksc
Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle nearly 350,000 pills from Iraqi border
- Pills were discovered concealed within a shipment labeled as “equipment used in polishing tiles"
Crown prince donates SR1bn for Saudi housing projects
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged an SR1 billion ($266 million) donation on Monday to support housing projects for Saudi beneficiaries.
The donation at his own private expense to the National Development Housing Foundation aims to help beneficiaries achieve home ownership.
It reflects the prince’s “continuous attention and support for providing a decent life for citizens, by supporting the initiatives and projects aimed at providing housing for them in various regions of the Kingdom,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The crown prince’s directive states that the housing projects designated for donation be completed within a period not exceeding 12 months, and that they are implemented by national companies.
He also ordered authorities to submit monthly reports on the progress of home ownership, in order to ensure the handover of all housing units within one year.
Mangrove scheme to plant 3m trees in Jubail
RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife and the Saudi Arabian Mining Co., known as Maaden, have launched an initiative to plant 3 million mangrove trees in the Jubail Marine Protected Area.
It supports the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030 to enhance coastal vegetation and preserve biodiversity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The project aims to rehabilitate degraded habitats and strengthen the role of mangrove trees in carbon sequestration, as they are among the most efficient plants in storing carbon dioxide.
This helps combat climate change, protect coastal areas from erosion and provide safe environments for marine species reproduction, the SPA reported.
Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, highlighted the organization’s commitment to protecting ecosystems and expanding vegetation cover.
These efforts align with the Saudi Green Initiative’s target of planting 10 billion trees, including more than 100 million mangroves along Saudi coasts, reinforcing the Kingdom’s global environmental leadership, he said.
Saudi FM discusses US-Iran talks with Iranian counterpart
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan discussed with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi the latest developments in US-Iran talks via a phone call, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said on X.
Prince Faisal received a phone call Monday from Araghchi during which they discussed the third round of negotiations between the United States and Iran, which was held Saturday in the Omani capital Muscat.
The ministers also discussed bilateral ties and issues of common interest, the ministry statement added.
سمو وزير الخارجية الأمير #فيصل_بن_فرحان @FaisalbinFarhan يتلقى اتصالاً هاتفياً من معالي وزير خارجية الجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية السيد عباس عراقجي. pic.twitter.com/9mwbuNMMB4
— وزارة الخارجية (@KSAMOFA) April 28, 2025
Thousands of refugees in Jordan’s Zaatari camp receive treatment from KSrelief in March
- Thousands seen in Zaatari refugee camp for Syrians in Jordan by KSrelief healthcare volunteers
RIYADH: Thousands of people in the Zaatari refugee camp for Syrians in Jordan received healthcare services in March, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Of the 8,428 patients seen by KSrelief carers, general medicine clinics treated 2,657 patients, while the internal medicine clinic dealt with 454 patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
The pediatric clinics received 668 patients, and the dental clinic attended to 542 patients.
Additionally, the two gynecology clinics welcomed 649 women, while the ear, nose and throat clinic treated 210 patients.
The ophthalmology clinic saw 242 patients and the cardiology clinic attended to 64 patients.
The diagnostic radiology clinic served 123 patients and the dermatology clinic treated 133 patients.
Moreover, the rehabilitation medicine clinic assisted 106 patients.
Throughout the month, 7,204 laboratory tests were conducted for 814 patients, and 701 imaging procedures, including X-rays and ultrasounds, were performed for 627 patients. The vaccination clinic administered 487 vaccines.
There were 241 health education sessions, both individual and group, and 411 physical therapy sessions were conducted.
The pharmacy handled 5,212 prescriptions during this period.
KSrelief team perform 11 cochlear implant procedures on children in Tunisia
- Speech and language rehabilitation services were also provided for 11 children
RIYADH: A volunteer medical team from the Saudi aid agency KSrelief performed 11 cochlear implant operations on children in Tunisia, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Speech and language rehabilitation services were also provided for 11 children, and 11 educational sessions were organized for the children’s families, benefiting 22 individuals, according to the report.
The procedures, carried out by 10 medical volunteers, were part of the “Saudi Hearing” volunteer program for cochlear implants and auditory rehabilitation in Tunisia.
