ع
The Asir Region Traffic Police arrested two Sudanese residents after discovering 106 kilograms of hashish concealed in their vehicle, the force reported on July 22, 2026. The suspects were taken into custody at the scene in the southwestern Saudi province. Officers completed an initial inspection that revealed the substantial quantity of the prohibited substance hidden within the vehicle.
Legal procedures have since been finalized in accordance with established protocols for narcotics cases. The two men have been referred to the competent authority to face charges related to drug smuggling. This referral ensures that the case proceeds through the appropriate judicial channels without delay.
Saudi authorities have renewed their call for public assistance in identifying drug smuggling activities. Citizens and residents can report relevant information by dialing 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province or 999 in other parts of the country. The dedicated narcotics control line is 995, the security directorate said.
Reports can additionally be submitted through electronic mail to the address [email protected], according to the official guidance. The authorities have guaranteed complete confidentiality for all informants and confirmed that no legal liability will attach to those who come forward with tips. This approach has been part of a broader initiative to involve the community in counter-narcotics efforts.
The Asir region has been the site of heightened security operations due to its proximity to borders prone to cross-border smuggling, a 2025 assessment by the Gulf Cooperation Council security committee found. Hashish remains one of the most frequently seized substances in such operations across Saudi Arabia. The latest bust adds to a series of successful interceptions that have disrupted trafficking networks.
Law enforcement agencies in the kingdom have increased the use of advanced scanning technology at checkpoints to detect concealed narcotics in vehicles. This technology has contributed to a rise in detection rates over the past two years, according to figures from the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. Training programs for traffic police have also been expanded to improve identification of smuggling methods.
