“This week's security sweeps resulted into the arrests of 1,070 illegal foreigners consisting of both men and women. This number also included 94 people who had committed various criminal offenses with one particular case of an Arab national who was arrested for selling and distributing fake phone cards,” said Col. Misfer Al-Juaid, spokesman for Jeddah police.

Those arrested were wanted for offenses relating to drug dealing, bootlegging, car thefts, fraud, harboring illegal immigrants and operating unlicensed businesses. The raids were carried out in Al-Faisaliah, Al-Safa, Marwa, Bani Malik, Kandarah and Anakish districts of north Jeddah.

“Those arrested in this week’s raids are all in custody now and they will be transferred — along with items seized as evidence during the raids — to the concerned authorities,” said Al-Juaid.

“Security raids are continuing, and we won’t allow criminal acts ruin the peaceful atmosphere of Jeddah,” said Maj. Gen. Ali Muhammad Al-Ghamdi, director of Jeddah police.

Al-Juaid added that without the help of members of the public, these raids would not be successful. He also urged people to telephone 642-5550 if they see any suspicious activities.