Pubdate: Mon, 21 Jul 2008
Source: Yemen Post (Yemen)
Copyright: 2008 Yemen Post
Contact:  http://www.yemenpost.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4830
Author: Hakim Almasmari

MOST WANTED DRUG DEALER ARRESTED

The Specialized Penal Prosecution is still investigating with what security 
sources called the most dangerous drug dealer in Yemen Ali Abdullah bin 
Hitiqan Al-Saya'ri.

Al-Saya'ri was arrested by security forces last week in Shabwa province and 
was sent to Sana'a. A security source revealed that armed elements tried to 
intercept the security vehicles that transferred Al-Saya'ri and both sides 
exchange fire.

The exchange of fire resulted in killing 7 soldiers as their vehicle rolled 
over. The armed elements, boarding eight vehicles, fled the scene as soon 
as reinforcements arrived in the area without being able to release Al-Saya'ri.

The security forces arrested Al-Saya'ri last week in a check-point while he 
was boarding his Hummer vehicle.

In related news, the Specialized Penal Court received the file of another 
drug dealer accused of smuggling 715,000 drug pills who was arrested last 
June in Sana'a International Airport.

In an effort to trick security officials, the defendant hid the drugs 
inside water heaters. Similarly, 11 Iranian sailors are trailed over 
possessing and trading in drugs after being arrested early this year in 
Al-Maharah province.

Though it is not a consuming country, Yemen has turned into a transit 
country for drugs exported to Gulf countries from the Southeast of Asia. 
Security guards have seized big quantities of drugs this year in different 
ways. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D