RIYADH, Apr 24 (NNN-SPA) – Saudi Arabia announced yesterday, a ban on the entry of consignments of Lebanese vegetables and fruits.
The ban effective from Apr 25 (tomorrow) also covers consignments transit through Saudi territories, the Saudi Interior Ministry, said.
The ban will continue until the relevant Lebanese authorities provide sufficient and reliable guarantees, to take the necessary measures to stop the “systematic” narcotic smuggling operations, targeting the kingdom, the statement highlighted.
The ministry cited the reason for the ban from the kingdom’s commitment to local regulations and provisions of international conventions, related to combating all forms of drug smuggling.
Saudi authorities noticed increased drug smuggling activity targeting the kingdom from Lebanon, or passing through Lebanese territories, the ministry confirmed.
It revealed that Saudi Arabia had repeatedly urged Lebanese authorities to take practical measures to stop these practices.
The Saudi Customs in Jeddah Islamic Port, said that, it foiled an attempt to smuggle 5.3 million Captagon pills, hidden in a consignment of “pomegranate” fruit, imported from Lebanon.
