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RIYADH: Saudi authorities on Wednesday foiled an attempt to smuggle millions of highly addictive and illegal amphetamine pills into the country.
Maj. Mohammed Al-Nujaidi, spokesperson for the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, said that over 3.5 million Captagon tablets were found hidden in a shipment of stones and gardening supplies at Jeddah Islamic Port.
The authorities arrested three Turkish residents, a resident, an expatriate on a visitor鈥檚 visa, a Syrian expatriate on an Umrah visa, and four citizens.
They have been referred to the Public Prosecution authority. The operation was carried out in cooperation with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.
The Ministry of Interior and various security agencies, working with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, continues to target those trying to smuggle drugs into the country.
Recently, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control foiled an attempt to smuggle more than 3.5 million amphetamine pills, which were found hidden in a shipment of building materials at Jeddah Islamic Port.
Last month, Saudi authorities thwarted a similar plot to smuggle more than 403,000 pills and arrested two suspects.
The Saudi government has urged anyone with information related to suspected smuggling operations or customs violations to call the confidential hotline 1910, the international number 00 966 114208417, or email 1910@zatca.gov.sa.
Financial rewards are offered for valid tip-offs.