All types of criminals, including thieves, pickpockets, smugglers, fraudsters and drug traffickers, are becoming increasingly savvy at using these high-tech devices. However, the Kingdom’s security officials have been successful in foiling most of these crimes. The recent arrest of several drug traffickers and the recovery of a huge quantity of drugs from various entry points to the Kingdom is an example of this.

Talking to Al-Riyadh Arabic daily, the experts underlined the need for raising public awareness about such crimes.

Noted researcher in criminology Midwah Al-Midwah, who is director of the reform and rehabilitation section for prisons in Asir province, said the Gulf region is vulnerable to the increased threat of drug-related crimes.

“There are indications that drug-related crimes will continue to rise by 24 percent over the next year,” he said.

According to Al-Midwah, there is every possibility these figures could increase considerably over the coming few years.

“There are serious fears that drug production is becoming more and more organized and flourishing in Afghanistan, from where most of the drugs are smuggled in. The innovative tricks used by drug traffickers showed that the drug trade is run by well-organized international gangs who coordinate with drug producing plants. They even have dealings with some factories producing consumer goods,” he said, citing examples. “Huge quantities of drugs were seized when smugglers tried to bring narcotics into the Kingdom by hiding them inside a truckload of household appliances. There is no other way to hide these drugs,” he said.

Al-Midwah also drew attention to examples where drugs have been seized from inside truckloads of shoes, dresses and curtains, electronic and electrical appliances, toys and agricultural produce, including tomatoes and potatoes. “Even Haj and Umrah pilgrims are unwittingly becoming drug mules carrying illegal substances,” he said. He stressed the need for pinpointing the reasons that lead to individuals becoming victims of drug abuse and addressing the problem at grassroots level. “The anti-drug agencies must be reinforced with more manpower and high-tech devices to combat the menace effectively,” he added.

Referring to the innovative methods used by drug traffickers, Muhammad Asiri, another researcher in criminology, said some physical fitness and sports centers in residential areas are being exploited by drug traffickers. “Some employees at these centers circulate drug capsules that can help with muscle growth and bodybuilding. Those using these capsules eventually become drug addicts,” he said.

Asiri also noted increased drug use among students during examinations.

“Some drug dealers used to sell stimulants to schoolboys and girls after convincing them the substances could enhance their cognition and memory. They distribute these drugs through cafeterias and stores located near educational institutions,” he said.

Referring to various tricks used by drug traffickers, Asiri said some of them sprinkle cocaine and heroin powder on flowers and then give them to their victims. “When the victims become accustomed to these ‘gifts’, they start buying them at frequent intervals and eventually become addicts. Drug gangs also run cafes to sell drugs mixed with shisha and market them as ‘special shisha’,” he said.

Ahsan Taleb, dean of the research and studies center at Prince Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, noted that there are two types of drug thieves. The first type of thieves wants to steal drugs for his personal consumption and the other steals to satisfy his mental craving for possessing drugs.

Taleb said all types of criminals are eager to take advantage of high-tech devices. Some thieves use super flexible cameras that can slide under a door or into a small hole in the wall to help them carry out their operation by surveying those inside the building. Scanners that find specific radio frequencies are also often being used to gain access into a home via the garage door or vehicles.

“These thieves experiment with all advanced technological methods and devices in a way well-suited to their capabilities and circumstances. Some of them engage in stealing vehicles while others break into shops or houses,” he said. “They even use some sprays or lighting mechanism to jam cameras installed in homes. There are some devices to open doors, safes and shelves without breaking locks and making any noise,” he added.