RIYADH, 3 December 2007 — Police in Riyadh seized 7,356 bottles of imported alcohol found at a rest house north of the capital, it was announced yesterday. Two foreign workers, who were inside the building at the time, were also arrested and are currently being questioned.
Police began monitoring the rest house after it was noticed that SUV trucks were driving to the location at different hours of the day. On searching cars leaving the area, large numbers of bottles of alcohol were found hidden inside.
The 7,356 bottles were contained in 602 boxes, which have been handed to customs officials. Police are investigating the source of the liquor and people involved in the trade.
Police also announced that it had arrested several men wanted in relation to a number of muggings in Riyadh. Al-Shafa Police Department and Al-Deera Police Department were able to gather information on the suspects’ descriptions and their vehicle, a Toyota Camry, after several people reported that they had been mugged.
A vehicle that matched descriptions provided by victims was located. The driver was asked to stop by a police patrol car, but refused and a chase ensued. The car was later cornered and forced to stop. “The driver and the four passengers inside were arrested. Police found three stolen mobile phones, several mobile chips, a knife and cash in their possession,” police said, adding that the suspects are in police custody and have been identified by victims.
Meanwhile, Riyadh police began a training course on Saturday to show field officers how to deal with the public. The course is being provided with the help of officials from the King Abdul Aziz National Forum for Dialogue. “The five-day course is directed at officers and field officers, who deal directly with the public in cooperation with specialists and academics from the King Abdul Aziz center,” said a spokesman for Riyadh police.
Kidnap Attempt Foiled
Police in Taif arrested two men in their 20s who tried unsuccessfully to kidnap a 15-year-old boy, Al-Jazirah newspaper reported yesterday. A police spokesman said the two men, who were in a car, were forced to stop by passersby after the boy screamed out aloud. One of the men drove off leaving his accomplice to run away on foot. Police were notified and both men were arrested a short while later.
