RIYADH: Five Saudis were arrested in Riyadh for robbing truck drivers of their valuables at gunpoint.

The arrests were made pursuant to a spate of complaints made to Riyadh governorate which referred the matter to the police headquarters in the capital.

It was alleged that the gang, whose members are between 20 and 40 years of age, used to waylay trucks on the outskirts of the capital to rob the drivers of their valuables.

Police said that the gang also took the trucks and vehicles to a neighboring scrapyard where they dismantled them and sold the spare parts on the local market. The spare auto parts made quick bucks for the thieves, the official added.

The thieves made use of locations outside the capital for their robberies since these areas were not frequented by people or motorists.

It was revealed that police are conducting further investigations to ascertain whether more persons are involved in the organized gang.

On completion of the inquiry, police will present the case to a court for necessary action.

Under Saudi law, punishment for armed robbery is death.