Mishal Al-Otaibi Saudi Gazette RIYADH – Anti-drug squads arrested 565,435 drug dealers in various regions of the Kingdom over the past six years. In 184,184 drug busts over the periods, 172,837 kilograms of heroin, 359 million fenethylline (Captagon) pills and over 1.21 million tons of hashish were seized. Along with the Border Guard and the Customs Authority, the squad directorate developed strategies six years ago to nab drug gangs following reports that international rings become active in selling drugs to Saudi students during examination times. Although reliable statistics on illegal drug use are not available, there is mounting concern in both Saudi society and government circles that young people are increasingly turning to substance abuse for recreation, to compensate for boredom, or to alleviate depression, according to numerous press reports. Captagon, which is also taken to suppress appetite, and hashish are the two most widely used illicit drugs among young Saudis, experts said. Underscoring growing concerns about illegal drug use in the Kingdom, and unremitting trafficking through its borders, the authorities are making efforts to raise the public's awareness about the menace and expand regional anti-smuggling co-operation. Meanwhile, Border Guard Director Zameem Al-Siwat said the force lost 10 officers to shootouts and confrontations with terrorists at the Najran border in the last two years. Massive efforts exerted by security officers to crack down on terrorists and Saudi society's rejection of those terrorists forced them to try and escape the Kingdom through illegal means, Al-Siwat said. “The terrorists would spare no effort in order to escape from the Kingdom and they would do anything necessary even if they have to kill innocent people and target security officers,” he added.
