Pilgrims wait their ride at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah in this file picture. The Saudi Customs Authority has said drug smugglers in cahoots with unscrupulous transportation have tried to smuggle drugs into the Kingdom by hiding the contraband in pilgrims’ luggage.

Foreign transportation companies have tried to smuggle drugs into the Kingdom by hiding them in pilgrims’ luggage, according to the Saudi Customs Authority.

Essa Al-Essa, spokesperson of the authority, charged that these companies have tried to take advantage of pilgrims’ crowds to smuggle drugs in addition to other violations.

Captagon, Tramadol Qoro, qat and large quantities of other drugs were found in pilgrims’ luggage, in addition to undisclosed amounts of money. “An organized gang is involved in smuggling cash and precious metals using pilgrims’ luggage.”

He explained that the main violation by transportation companies is mixing pilgrims’ bags in such a way that their identification becomes difficult. Al-Essa refused to identify the countries sending luggage violating the rules.

The customs authority has an automated mechanism in place to prevent smuggling attempts. It includes trained dogs and X-ray inspection.

It held an exhibition to show workers the types of drugs, ways of smuggling them and proper means to deal with incoming pilgrims.

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