Saudi Arabias security forces arrest 1,600 drug traffickers in 6 months

RIYADH — In its relentless war on drug, Saudi Arabia’s security forces arrested 1,628 drug smugglers and dealers during the first six moths of this year, according to security sources.

The sources said the detainees consisted of 604 Saudis and 1,024 foreigners from 41 different nationalities.

The raid against drug peddlers, which happened between September 2017 and March 2018, is considered a big blow to smugglers in the Kingdom.

The sources said said the suspects were involved in smuggling, receiving, transporting and distributing narcotics and other intoxicants.

In several cases security officers faced armed resistance, and at least 33 officers were injured as a result.

Ten smugglers were killed and 21 others wounded in exchange of fire.

The sources said 20.4 million amphetamine pills, 18 tons of hashish, 205 milligrams of heroin and 450 grams of cocaine were seized during the period.

They said 439 weapons, 13,086 rounds of live ammunition and SR24.7 million in cash were found with the smugglers.