RIYADH, 27 March 2008 — Authorities raided 19 homes in a predawn operation in the capital’s Al-Faisaliyah district, netting over 30 suspected drug traffickers.
“The element of surprise was a crucial factor in the raid,” a spokesperson for Riyadh police said.
The police said the order to conduct the raids was given by Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman after authorities received information that dozens of homes there were used as shelters for covered up drug smuggling operations. “Thirty criminal suspects of various nationalities have been arrested,” the spokesperson said. “In addition, the raid netted a number of (other) suspects wanted for various crimes and drug offenses.”
Police seized a large number of narcotic pills (probably Captagon) and hashish in the raid.
