JEDDAH, 5 September 2005 — Two men residents called well-known “well-digging” contractors were arrested early yesterday with a cache of explosives during massive security raids in Jeddah that also netted more than 600 overstayers.
Arab News was there when two other men were arrested on charges of possession of police clothing and forged passports. The suspects denied ownership of the items when confronted by police. Investigations are ongoing. However, police confirmed that the explosives seized were meant for digging wells.
Security forces also arrested 611 overstayers, of various Asian nationalities, in a five-hour-long raid that targeted the district of Briman located on the eastern side of Makkah-Madinah Expressway. An illegal international call cabin was also smashed during the raid, led by Brig. Gen. Misfer Al-Zuhami, head of the Jeddah police, and included men from 11 security and government departments.
Saudi residents contributed to pinpointing houses of illegal overstayers in the district. “We are happy and willing to contribute in any way possible,” said resident Khaled Al-Jadani. “In the end we are the No. 1 beneficiaries.”
Police have increased the frequency of security crackdowns in Jeddah to cleanse the city of criminals and illegal overstayers.
