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The General Directorate of Narcotics Control announced the arrests of three Ethiopian residents in the Riyadh region for promoting illicit substances. According to the directorate’s statement the suspects were found with three kilograms of hashish and 31588 tablets subject to medical circulation regulations. The GDNC completed all necessary legal procedures before referring the three individuals to the Public Prosecution for further action.
In its statement the GDNC identified the tablets as regulated pills and emphasised that the operation targeted promoters operating within the capital area. The directorate regularly conducts such campaigns to disrupt local distribution networks that feed into broader trafficking activities. Officials stressed that these efforts align with national priorities to limit the availability of controlled substances.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control urged the public to report any suspected drug-related activities through dedicated hotlines. Citizens can contact authorities via 995 for narcotics tips 911 for emergencies or 999 for security matters with all reports treated as strictly confidential. This call to action forms a standard component of the directorate’s community engagement strategy to gather intelligence on trafficking and promotion cases.
A related GDNC operation last month seized 1401925 amphetamine pills concealed inside a heavy-duty rock-crushing machine in the Northern Borders Region according to official accounts. That action resulted in the arrest of three Saudi citizens and one Jordanian resident as authorities continue year-long campaigns against smuggling. Data from these operations indicate that Saudi forces have seized 25 million illicit pills over the past year through coordinated efforts with customs and other agencies.
Arab News reporting from December 2024 detailed the dismantling of two criminal networks specialising in amphetamine tablets and hashish with multiple arrests across several regions. Such cases illustrate the persistent challenges authorities face in intercepting both cross-border smuggling and domestic promotion activities. The GDNC has maintained pressure on these networks through intelligence-driven raids and international cooperation agreements.
Saudi Arabia maintains strict penalties under its narcotics control laws for both trafficking and promotion offences. The Public Prosecution now handles the latest Riyadh case with proceedings expected to follow standard timelines for drug-related matters. The directorate continues to monitor similar activities nationwide as part of its mandate to combat narcotics at every level of the supply chain.
