Pubdate: Tue, 13 Apr 2004
Source: Khaleej Times (UAE)
Copyright: 2004 Khaleej Times
Contact:  http://khaleejtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/996
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

SAUDI ARABIA MAKES LARGEST EVER DRUG BUST OF FIVE TONS OF HASHISH

RIYADH - Saudi security forces made the kingdom's largest ever drug bust, 
foiling a bid to smuggle in more than five tons of hashish, a newspaper 
reported Tuesday, citing drug enforcement agency officials.

"The Drug Combating Department in the Riyadh region, in cooperation with 
the customs at the dry port in Riyadh, foiled an attempt to smuggle 5,200 
kilograms (11,464 pounds) of hashish into the kingdom," on Monday, Arab 
News quoted the departments director as saying.

Eight suspects, "seven from an east Asian country and one Arab,"  were 
arrested as they attempted to receive the cargo at a warehouse, said Major 
General Othman al-Assaf.

Another three suspected of taking part in the operation were arrested 
later, he added.

"The drug consignment contained 5,291 kilograms of hashish, which is the 
largest quantity of drugs ever seized in the history of the kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia," the official said.

Saudi Arabia applies a strict form of sharia, or Islamic law, and convicted 
drug traffickers can face beheading.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager