5 Bangladeshis arrested in Saudi Arabia over alleged drug smuggling

Five Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in Saudi Arabia’s Hail region on suspicion of drug smuggling, with authorities seizing methamphetamine, locally known as ‘shabu’, from them.

The Saudi General Directorate of Narcotics Control announced the arrests in a post on social media platform X on Wednesday (November 11).

It said legal proceedings had been initiated against the detainees, who were handed over to the relevant authorities for further judicial action. Their names and identities have not been disclosed.

In the same post, the agency urged residents to report any information about drug smuggling or related offences to law enforcement agencies. It assured informants that their identities would remain strictly confidential.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that affects the brain and nervous system. The drug is also widely known as ‘ice’ in many parts of the world.

Saudi Arabia maintains a tough stance on drug-related offences. Under the country’s laws, serious crimes such as drug trafficking can carry the death penalty, while other offences may be punishable by lengthy prison terms and additional penalties, depending on their nature and severity.