“This week's security sweeps resulted in the arrest of 42 overstayers, both men and women. They also included 624 people arrested for committing various criminal offenses,” said Jeddah police spokesman Brig. Misfer Al-Juaid.

Criminals arrested were wanted for offenses connected to drug dealing, bootlegging, car thefts, fraud, harboring illegal immigrants as well as operating unlicensed businesses.

The raids were carried out in the Kilo-3, Al-Baghdadia, Bani Malik, Al-Sabeel, Al-Rawabi and Anakish neighborhoods.

“Several of those who were arrested held no legal documentation. They were transferred to the deportation center after being cleared by the police. Those suspected of criminal offenses are all in police custody — along with items seized as evidence during the raids,” said Al-Juaid.

He commended members of the public who contacted police using the hot line 642-5550, and encouraged more to call the authorities if they see any suspicious activities in their areas.