Contrite Smuggler’s Confession Upheld

ABHA, 3 August 2006 — The confession of a 30-year-old man accused of smuggling drugs across the Saudi-Yemen border was upheld by a local court, Al-Watan daily reported yesterday. The man, who had surrendered to authorities on his own, said he wanted to repent for his sins. The man also directed police to his stash, 3.4 kg of an undisclosed drug. Drug smuggling is a capital offense in the Kingdom, although this suspect is likely to be spared the sword for his contrition and willingness to comply with authorities.