“Security officers have arrested 10 people in connection with this drug smuggling attempt, including nine Saudis and a foreigner,” said Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, spokesman of the Interior Ministry, adding that investigations are continuing with the arrested men to determine their roles.

He said it was for the first time gliders were used to smuggle drugs into the Kingdom.

He said the incident took place in the early morning hours last Tuesday (Sept. 20), adding that the small plane was forced to land when it crossed the border. A gun battle also took place with individuals waiting for the drugs at the border.

“The narcotic tablets were kept in three bags inside the glider. There were 700,000 tablets,” the spokesman said.

The plane had come through the Kingdom’s border with Iraq, informed sources said, adding that it had set off from a desert region in Iraq.

Arab News learned from some sources that the pilot of the seized glider was a Saudi national and that he was not holding any license to operate the plane.

This information has not been officially confirmed.

Saudis engaged in aviation sports condemned those who exploit gliders to smuggle drugs into the Kingdom.

“We are shocked to hear this news,” said a Saudi glider from Tabuk.

He hoped the Aviation Sports Club would take immediate steps to prevent such incidents.

Al-Turki said security fortifications in the northern border would be completed this year and would contribute greatly toward preventing drug smuggling attempts.

Speaking about the new security system in the northern border, the general said it is a kind of security belt covering a 10-km area.

It includes radars, thermal cameras and security walls as well as electronic systems and aims to prevent criminal activities.

Al-Turki also pointed out that preventive measures taken by security authorities helped in preventing Al-Qaeda militants from carrying out terrorist attacks in the Kingdom.

“We cannot rule out the possibility that terrorists may use gliders for attacks,” he said.

He said measures would be taken against those violating Saudi Aviation Club rules.

“Previously there were incidents of people attempting to fly over residential, security and industrial areas in violation of regulations,” he pointed out.