RIYADH: The authorities are increasingly recruiting women for security and other operations in the Kingdom, according to Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, security spokesman at the Ministry of Interior. He said women are being used in drug, terrorist and other operations requiring female operatives. Meanwhile, he added that when drugs are seized, the contraband is handed over to the Directorate General for Combating Drugs, which makes special arrangements for its destruction. The whole process is documented, said Al-Turki. He said more people are needed at the ministry to help counter the drug trade in the Kingdom. “The seizure of large quantities of drugs supports this fact. If the need arises, the government will not hesitate to employ more staff.” He said that official bodies exist in government to deal with people who use drugs while they are guests of the State. However, the government will only act on the basis of concrete evidence, said Al-Turki. The ministry will also act without fear or favor against anyone who breaks the law. “If a person is convicted and completes his jail term, then such a person is considered innocent.” He said the ministry also provides treatment for those who have abused drugs and are in jail. As for cash seized during security operations, Al-Turki said, “The money is kept until it can be determined whether it was earned through illicit means. It is then dealt with according to regulations, particularly money laundering regulations.” Al-Turki said that government does not employ illegal foreigners. Any such cases will be referred to the Directorate General of Passports.
