JEDDAH: The General Directorate for Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia is not only fighting drug dealers in the streets and surprising them in their hideouts, but also catching them across the Internet.
Major successes have been achieved in apprehending them. Since the beginning of the social networking revolution, drug dealers have taken advantage of this technology in pushing drugs, as many users of these sites are heavily used by Saudis and residents alike.
The GDNC said that it has the power and ability to deal with this method of drug sales, as indicated by the number of arrests of dealers using Snapchat and other modern smartphone applications.
The number of arrested reached 54 dealers who took advantage of cyberspace to peddle their stuff. The most recent arrest was that of a dealer under the nickname of Mido in Riyadh, who used Snapchat to sell hashish.
Abdulillah bin Mohammed Sharif, the assistant director general of anti-drug prevention affairs, said in a press statement that the number of arrests of drug dealers on social media reached 54 young men. No woman has been arrested.
Abdulaziz Al-Harthy, a legal adviser, said that promotion of drugs through social media is a violation of two important laws of the Kingdom: anti-drug laws with a penalty of death, and electronic crimes laws that stipulate a penalty of imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years and a fine not exceeding SR300,000. Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, said that the Kingdom is being targeted by drug dealers who want to destroy the youth of this country.
In related news, 4 million Captagon tablets were seized after police arrested an Asian truck driver at a petrol station south of Al-Aflaj. After checking his papers and searching his truck, they found a huge amount of drugs destined for distribution in the capital.
The driver was referred to the anti-narcotics department for necessary action.
In addition, Al-Haditha Customs officials foiled an attempt to smuggle 13,235 Captagon tablets and narcotic pills in a vehicle coming into the port.
Director General of Al-Haditha Customs Ibrahim Al-Anzi said: “During inspections, Captagon pills were found hidden inside the vehicle. Necessary action was taken against this smuggling attempt.”
He indicated that Customs employees are aware of the various techniques and methods that smugglers use, and the innovative ways they employ to try to smuggle narcotics and other contraband into the Kingdom.
Drug dealers using social media arrested in anti-narcotic drive in Saudi Arabia
Drug dealers using social media arrested in anti-narcotic drive in Saudi Arabia
King Salman academy launches third Arabic program for non-native speakers
- Initiative aims to provide students with strong foundations in reading, writing, listening and spoken Arabic
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language has begun accepting applications for its third study program for non-native speakers at the Abjad Center in Riyadh.
The program, which follows an advanced academic methodology, will accept applications until March 15, with in-person study starting on Sept. 1, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The center offers a comprehensive educational experience aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
The program has four levels, each lasting two months, for a total of eight months and 160 instructional hours per level, averaging 20 hours per week, the SPA reported.
It focuses on core language skills — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — while incorporating cultural activities to enhance learning and immerse students in the Arabic-speaking environment.
The first edition attracted more than 16,140 applicants from 162 nationalities, with more than 130 students from 34 nationalities accepted.
The second edition received even more interest, with 16,472 applications from 126 nationalities and more than 150 students from about 40 nationalities admitted.
Saudi pupils explore Shamal reserve in sustainability initiative
- Field visit highlights wildlife conservation and deepens connection with nature
RIYADH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve Development Authority organized a field visit for school pupils to the Shamal Reserve for Sustainable Hunting.
This initiative is part of the authority’s drive to promote ecological awareness and foster community development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Shamal reserve, located within the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, covers 2,000 sq. km. It offers comprehensive services and a unique hunting experience, attracting enthusiasts from the Kingdom and Gulf states.
The visit aimed to introduce students to the reserve’s wildlife, enhancing their ecological awareness and connection with nature, the SPA added.
It also highlighted the authority’s environmental protection efforts, sustainability initiatives, and tourism programs.
During the tour, experts emphasized the importance of ecosystem preservation and biodiversity in supporting sustainability and promoting ecotourism.
This initiative is part of a series of awareness programs designed to engage the local community in environmental conservation. These programs align with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes sustainability and natural area development.
Covering 91,500 sq. km, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is the second-largest royal reserve, home to 138 wildlife species and 179 plant species. It is known for its rich ecology, stunning landscapes and heritage sites.
Initiatives over the past four years have significantly increased populations of endangered species such as Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, houbara bustard and red-necked ostrich, while also fostering a resurgence of reptiles and insects.
AlUla empowers youth with social, cultural activities
- Camp fostered communication, experience exchange, and strengthened youth relations among the participating countries
RIYADH: The Joint GCC Youth Work Camp, hosted by Saudi Arabia in AlUla and organized by the Ministry of Sport, brought together young people from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, and Morocco.
The camp fostered communication, experience exchange, and strengthened youth relations among the participating countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Through cultural and social events, sports competitions, workshops, and community initiatives, it empowered participants and developed their skills, the SPA added.
The camp featured activities combining exploration, learning, and other challenges. Participants had the unique opportunity to tour AlUla Old Town, exploring the heritage market, learning about traditional handicrafts, and dining among picturesque mud houses overlooking the palm oasis.
The program also included visits to renowned tourist and natural sites, such as the Sharaan Nature Reserve, Elephant Rock, the Oasis Heritage Trail, and the Hegra area.
Saudi project clears 536 Houthi mines in Yemen
RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 536 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.
The total included nine anti-personnel mines, 48 anti-tank mines, 478 unexploded ordnances and one explosive device, according to a recent report.
Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 481,776 mines had been cleared since its inception 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.
The initiative 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 safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Russia’s Siluanov visits Saudi Arabia ahead of Russia-US talks
- Siluanov was speaking at the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies
- US and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to start talks aimed at ending the nearly three-year war in Ukraine, a US lawmaker said
MOSCOW: Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov visited Saudi Arabia on Sunday ahead talks between Russia and the United States in the Kingdom scheduled for next week.
Siluanov was speaking at an event called AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund.
US and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to start talks aimed at ending the nearly three-year war in Ukraine, a US lawmaker and a source familiar with the planning said on Saturday.
Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov along with Siluanov and the central bank’s governor Elvira Nabiullina held talks with President of United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on February 15.
Speaking at an event, Siluanov highlighted Russia’s willingness to restructure the debt of foreign countries.
“During the last 25 years we restructured debt of 22 countries for the amount of almost $30 billion. A similar amount we had restructured through bilateral agreements,” Siluanov said.
