Saudi Arabia busts massive drug network with 37 members, including 28 citizens
The narcotic network consisted of 37 members who were arrested, including 28 citizens, some of them from various ministries.
An official at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior announced that the network's members included one citizen from the Ministry of Interior, one from Ministry of National Guard, two from Ministry of Defence, and one from Ministry of Health.
Other than citizens, the network also included five Syrian expats, one Yemeni expat, one Saudi resident, and two Ethiopians who violated the border security system.
The necessary legal measures were taken, and they were referred to the Public Prosecution.
Authorities said this confirms that they "will confront anyone who dares to undermine the security of the Kingdom, and arrest anyone who participates in them, whoever they may be."
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior added that authorities are vigilant against all criminal plots being hatched to target the nation and its youth with drugs.
Saudi Arabia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE Central Bank fines exchange houses $1.12m for anti-money laundering violations
The Central Bank of the UAE has imposed financial penalties totalling AED4.1m ($1.12m) on three exchange houses for failing to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) regulations. The sanctions, issued under Article (14) of Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018, follow detailed examinations by the Central Bank, which found significant compliance shortcomings. These included deficiencies in implementing adequate AML/CFT procedures and policies intended to detect and prevent illicit financial activity. CBUAE fines The action is part of the CBUAE's broader mandate to supervise and regulate financial institutions across the United Arab Emirates, ensuring they operate in accordance with local laws and the highest international standards. By holding exchange houses accountable, the Central Bank aims to maintain transparency, financial stability, and compliance with global AML/CFT frameworks.
Arabian Business
5 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Qatar refers 13 companies to prosecution over tax evasion in H1 2025
Qatar's General Tax Authority (GTA) has referred 13 companies to the Public Prosecution for alleged tax evasion totalling QR36m ($9.9m) during the first half of 2025. The GTA confirmed the referrals stem from thorough investigations conducted in collaboration with relevant government bodies. The probe uncovered major irregularities, including cases of companies intentionally concealing income to evade taxes. Qatar tax clampdown The measure comes as part of the GTA's commitment to the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, specifically the pursuit of financial stability through enhanced tax system efficiency and universal adherence to responsibilities by all economic actors. The 13 companies, all legally registered in Qatar, are now subject to legal proceedings under the provisions of Law No. 24 of 2018 — the country's Income Tax Law — which criminalises tax evasion and fraudulent reporting. The GTA reiterated its commitment to fair enforcement and called on all taxpayers to submit accurate and timely tax returns, warning that evasion not only harms the economy but also undermines efforts to create a sustainable and diversified financial system. Tackling tax evasion is a key pillar of Qatar's broader strategy to diversify income sources and support long-term development. By building a resilient financial system, the state aims to fund infrastructure projects, enhance investor confidence, and achieve balanced economic growth. The GTA also stressed the importance of cultivating a culture of voluntary compliance and building public trust in the tax system, to raise compliance rates and reduce the burden of enforcement over time.
The National
7 hours ago
- The National
Israeli forces detain veteran Palestinian journalist in occupied West Bank raid
Israeli forces detained veteran Palestinian journalist Nasser Laham in the occupied West Bank on Monday, the Ma'an news agency reported. He was detained overnight in the village of Al Duha, near Bethlehem, in a raid that caused damage to his house, the agency added. Mr Laham is editor-in-chief of Ma'an and also manages the West Bank operation of Lebanon's Al Mayadeen channel. He is expected to appear in front of a military court on Thursday, the Wafa news agency reported. The Israeli military said in a statement on Monday that soldiers "apprehended a wanted individual in Bethlehem. The wanted individual was transferred to the Israel police for further processing". Mr Laham's detention is the latest episode in Israel's crackdown on journalists in the occupied West Bank, which has accelerated since the start of the Gaza war in 2023. The death of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by an Israeli soldier during a raid in Jenin in 2022 sparked widespread condemnation of Israel's actions in Palestine, as well as calls for journalists to be protected. Al Quds newspaper reporter Ali Al Samoudi, who has also worked for international outlets including CNN and Reuters, remains in detention after being held by the Israeli military during a raid in the West Bank city. His family and legal team say he is not being given sufficient medication to manage severe health conditions. Israel's military said he was 'identified with the Islamic Jihad' militant group. Fifty-five Palestinian journalists are being held in Israeli prisons, 49 of whom have been detained since the Gaza war began, Wafa said. Israel banned Qatari outlet Al Jazeera from operating in the country last year, saying its broadcasts endangered national security. The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, banned the network in January, but the measure was lifted by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in May.
