QASIM, 11 February 2007 — Police arrested two men for possessing drugs in two separate incidents at checkpoints in the city. The first man was arrested on the Um-Sidra Highway that runs between Riyadh and Qasim. Police found a small amount of drugs stored in a plastic bag together with some liquid used to mix the drugs. A needle was also found in the man’s underwear. Police say the drugs were for personal use. The second man was arrested at a checkpoint just outside the city. When stopped at the checkpoint, the man tried to escape by driving off the road and into the desert. The man was later arrested and charged with possession of drugs with intent to distribute. He had 44 kg of hashish in his possession.
32 Jeddah Schools Risk Closure
JEDDAH, 11 February 2007 — The licenses of 32 international schools in Jeddah may not be renewed next year if they continue to violate Saudi regulations, press reports said yesterday. Members of the security forces and Education Ministry officials who inspected the schools found that they lacked safety equipment and fail to teach Arabic language, Islam and Saudi history. The report said 32 schools breached gender segregation rules.
Jizan Cop Dies From Dengue
JIZAN, 11 February 2007 — A 20-year-old police officer died in Jizan after catching what is thought to be either dengue fever or malaria. The young officer’s family called for a detailed medical report to explain the cause. The officer’s father said his son was suffering from fever, general fatigue and was continuously vomiting after which he was admitted into hospital where he spent several days in intensive care. The officer died after his blood pressure went down and he was left unable to breathe even with the help of machines.
