RIYADH: A group of 15 Saudis were released in Hong Kong after being detained for boarding a flight with toy guns in their luggage, Al-Yaum newspaper reported yesterday.
Alaudeen Alaskary, the Saudi consul general in Hong Kong, said the Saudis were released following diplomatic intervention and payment of fines.
Alaskary said the Saudis had purchased electric sticks and pistols for children not realizing that it was forbidden to carry them on board. He said they were not charged as it was evident that the items were bought as gifts for relatives in the Kingdom.
Alaskary added that since the consulate was set up five years ago, it dealt with similar problems on several occasions.
The Interior Ministry recently warned Saudis traveling to Hong Kong and other Far East countries not to buy banned toys.
