A severe penalty awaits any pilgrim found with drugs, said Saudi Arabian Consul General Majid Muhammad Al-Gathani during an interactive session with officials of the pilgrims’ board in Kano, Nigeria.
“The Saudi law on drugs is very strict and that is why we encourage officials to educate pilgrims,” Al-Gathani said.
He appealed to the pilgrims’ board to enlighten the pilgrims on the dangers inherent to carrying drugs, including local herbs.
He said that about 1,400 female pilgrims were discovered without a mahram last year even though their travel documents indicated that they had one.
Ahmad Umar, Nigeria’s consul general in Saudi Arabia, said many pilgrims are ignorant and need to be informed about Haj rituals and the code of conduct in the holy land.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Gombe in Nigeria has also warned intending pilgrims against smuggling drugs to Saudi Arabia. “We advise pilgrims not to be involved in drug smuggling because we all know that this leads to the death sentence,” said Aliyn Adole, NDLEA commander.
Adole also warned pilgrims against carrying bags or envelopes on people's behalf.
The commander advised them to follow instructions on joining queues and proper screening before boarding.
“Anybody arrested for bypassing the screening point will be charged in court,” he said.
Pilgrims told not to carry drugs
