JEDDAH, 7 March 2006 — Security forces cracked down on four districts in Jeddah early yesterday morning, arresting 1,654 illegal overstayers and suspected criminals.
The pre-dawn security operation targeted the districts of Bani Malik, Al-Aziziya, Al-Faisaliah and Mushrefah.
Police said 40 of the suspects apprehended were connected to 24 criminal charges.
“We targeted prostitution houses, counterfeit workshops, alcohol manufactures and distributes, and illegal international call cabins,” said a police officer.
A large quantity of porn CDs were confiscated in the operation that continued for four hours, he added.
A number of the undocumented migrants attempted to escape but security forces firmly monitored all entrances and exits of the districts targeted.
Jeddah police chief Col. Misfer Al-Misahi directly oversaw the raids.
Landlords of properties where the overstayers were living in cramped condition have are being investigated.
Security forces cracked down on a number of prostitution houses and found piles of forged documents.
The suspected overstayers are then transferred to the Passport Department where they await deportation.
