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RIYADH: Saudi authorities have made numerous drug-related arrests throughout the Kingdom recently, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Border Guard patrols in Al-Dayer, Jazan region, arrested eight Yemenis trying to smuggle in a total of 240 kg of qat in multiple separate attempts. The same sector also saw authorities thwart the attempted smuggling of 42 kg of hashish.

In another attempt, land patrols in Al-Dayer prevented the smuggling in of 54 kg of hashish, 343,000 tablets regulated for medical use, and 2,000 amphetamine tablets.

In Jazan’s Fifa governorate, security patrols arrested two Ethiopians smuggling 35 kg of qat.

In Al-Raboah, Asir region, Border Guard patrols arrested five Yemenis and Ethiopians smuggling 100 kg of qat and also prevented the smuggling in of a further 280 kg of qat.

Also in Asir, a Sudanese resident was arrested with 125 kg of qat in Dhahran Al-Janoub, and an Ethiopian with 46 kg of qat in Al-Farsha.

Security patrols in the Eastern Province arrested an Indian resident for selling heroin.

Patrols from the General Directorate of Mujahideen in Jazan arrested two Ethiopians selling hashish, amphetamine, and regulated pills.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested four citizens in the Eastern Province for the possession of 108 kg of hashish and for selling regulated tablets.

Officials also arrested two Yemenis in Najran for selling amphetamines, locally known as shabu.

Preliminary legal procedures were completed in all cases, and all seized items have been handed to the relevant authorities, the SPA reported.

Authorities have urged the public to report drug smuggling or sales by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions. Reports can also be submitted confidentially to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control via email at [email protected] or by calling 995.

RIYADH: For the third year in a row, ��������’s Culinary Arts Commission will participate in the Taste of London food festival, held in Regent’s Park from June 18 to 22.

Through its “Taste of Saudi Culture” pavilion, the commission promotes cultural exchange, showcases the richness of Saudi culinary heritage, and highlights the Kingdom’s culinary excellence.

The pavilion will feature immersive activities celebrating the diversity of Saudi cuisine, including live cooking demonstrations by skilled Saudi chefs.

Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor — such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.

Beyond food, the pavilion will include interactive cultural elements reflecting Saudi heritage, such as traditional henna art and colorful Asiri rose headbands.

Guests will be welcomed with premium dates and Saudi coffee — timeless symbols of Saudi hospitality, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Handcrafted ice cream infused with traditional Saudi ingredients like dates, Taif rose, and Jazan mango will also be served, offering authentic flavors with a modern twist.

A variety of refreshing cold drinks made from local ingredients will complement the experience, the SPA added.

A boutique section will feature signature Saudi products like maamoul (date-filled cookies) and unique Saudi coffee, blending retail, culture, and taste into an immersive journey.

This participation underscores the commission’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the depth of Saudi culinary arts and sharing the Kingdom’s vibrant food culture with global audiences.