Connect with us

World

Syria claims it seized amphetamine-based drugs headed for Saudi Arabia

Syrian authorities said Tuesday they seized over 500 kilograms (1,000 pounds) of amphetamine pills known by the brand name Captagon hidden in pasta packages in a van bound for Saudi Arabia.

An investigation was underway to determine who was behind the attempted smuggling, a statement on the official state news agency SANA said. It didn’t offer details on whether anyone has been arrested.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

US law enforcement officials say smuggling of the amphetamine-based drug from Syria and Lebanon has been on the rise, with over $3 billion worth of Captagon seized since February 2020.

The amount far exceeds the value of Syrian legal exports, said James Walsh, a high-level official with the State Department’s international narcotics bureau, earlier this month. He had no details on how much goes through Lebanon and how much is from Syria.

The statement carried by SANA said authorities became suspicious and stopped a van in rural Damascus carrying 525 kilograms (1,160 pounds) of the pills hidden in a shipment of pasta heading to Saudi Arabia. The smugglers had sprayed pepper over the pills to distract sniffer dogs, the statement said.

Walsh said the smuggling of amphetamines from Syria has a wide ranging impact on Europe, Africa and Asia and is obstructing efforts to resolve the country’s lengthy civil war, while contributing to deteriorating relations with Gulf states. He spoke at a conference organized by the Washington-based Atlantic Center earlier this month.

The US has imposed various sanctions on Syrian government officials and businesses linked to President Bashar Assad, whom it blames for much of the country’s decade-old conflict.

Arab countries have been making moves to re-engage the Assad government after years of boycott following the war’s outbreak.

Experts say a crackdown on drug smuggling would be key for Arab rapprochement with Syria.

Smuggling of Captagon has also been at the heart of a spat between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, after over 5 million pills hidden in a shipment of pomegranate from Lebanon were seized in the kingdom in April.

In retaliation, the Saudis banned Lebanese produce from going to or even transiting through the kingdom, a blow to Lebanon’s exporters.

Lebanese farmers denied the pomegranate was Lebanese, saying the shipment came from Syria.

Jordan has also seized drugs smuggled from Syria, including a shipment transported by a drone across the border in October.

Read more: Saudi Arabia foils attempt to import 12 mln Captagon pills hidden in cocoa beans

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tech

CyberArrow and Mobily Announced a Strategic Partnership for CyberArrow’s AI-Powered GRC at Black Hat 2023

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Mobily, one of the largest telecom companies in Saudi Arabia, and  CyberArrow , a leading UAE- based Compliance Automation Platform and Cyber Security Awareness Platform provider, proudly announced their strategic partnership at Black Hat 2023. This partnership marks a significant step towards revolutionizing the approach to compliance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The announcement cements Mobily as a strategic partner using CyberArrows AI-Powered GRC to boost cybersecurity compliance in the region. CyberArrows latest AI GRC was featured at the center of Black Hat 2023.  Key Highlights of the Strategic Partnership
The strategic partnership between CyberArrow and Mobily is a dynamic collaboration aimed at
reshaping the landscape of cyber security and compliance in Saudi Arabia. As a strategic partner,
Mobily helps organizations across Saudi Arabia enhance compliance processes and streamline
governance, risk, and compliance by utilizing CyberArrows AI-Powered GRC. This collaboration goes beyond physical presence; it symbolizes a shared vision for transformative advancements in compliance. The strategic partnership is designed to provide organizations in Saudi Arabia with intelligent solutions for navigating the complexities of cyber security and compliance with unprecedented efficiency. The partnership highlights the profound impact of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into cyber security and compliance. Through cutting-edge solutions and strategic partnerships, CyberArrow demonstrates its commitment to leveraging AI as a catalyst for transformative change. As CyberArrow strategically partners with Mobily, these key messages echo their shared vision, amplifying the call for utilising CyberArrow’s AI-powered GRC platform and fortifying the digital landscapes of businesses in Saudi Arabia. “The collaboration with Mobily signifies more than just a partnership; it's a shared vision to make cyber security compliance accessible and robust for businesses in Saudi Arabia”, said Amar, Co-founder of CyberArrow

Continue Reading

World

TÜYAP will host the Carpet and Flooring Expo 2023

Around 400 companies will converge in Istanbul for Carpet and Flooring Expo
2023. This event, taking place from 5-8 December, will open new market avenues
for these companies. Türkiye, a nation responsible for crafting 40% of the worlds carpets, is playing host to this prestigious event.Türkiye, a key player in the global carpet industry, is gearing up to host the Carpet and Flooring Expo (CFE 2023) in Istanbul. This pivotal event, orchestrated by TÜYAP – the country’s foremost exhibition organizer – in partnership with the Istanbul Carpet Exporters’ Association and Southeastern Anatolia Carpet Exporters’ Association, will take place at the Istanbul Expo Centre from 5-8 December. The Expo, expected to attract around 400 companies from across the globe, will showcase an extensive array of products, providing an invaluable opportunity for manufacturers to tap into new markets. Türkiye has a 40% market share of global carpet production İlhan Ersözlü, General Manager of TÜYAP Fairs Productions Inc., highlights Türkiye’s significant role in the global carpet trade, stating, “Türkiye currently accounts for 17% of the worlds carpet trade volume. Through CFE 2023, we aim to foster new agreements, boosting our
export volume to 25%.” The global carpet market, valued at USD 64.99 billion in 2022, is anticipated to soar to USD 97.41 billion within a decade. Türkiye, producing nearly half of the worlds carpets, is a pivotal player in these global gatherings. 400 companies expected to participate in CFE 2023 Ersözlü stated, “Currently, our fair features nearly 400 participants, with 75% from Türkiye and 25% being international stakeholders. We’ve seen substantial interest from manufacturers in countries including Iran, China, England, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Indonesia, Morocco, Ukraine, Egypt, and Jordan. Our goal is to host one of the largest fairs in this sector.” He added, “The fair will display a spectrum of products, from traditional to contemporary designs. Registered visitors from 81 countries will have four days to explore these offerings. Additionally, well host discussions and workshops on future trends, designs, colours, and
recycling. Li Edelkoort, a renowned trend forecaster, will be present to deliver a talk titled ‘2025 Interior Trend and Colour Forecasts’ on 6 December at 16.00. This event will be an enormous source of inspiration for professionals in the carpet industry as well as designers, decorators, and
architects.”

Continue Reading

World

Gulf Scientific Corporation Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification, Setting New Standards in Quality Management

Gulf Scientific Corporation (GSC) has recently achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the ISO 9001:2015 certification, reinforcing its commitment to quality and excellence in the field of scientific solutions. This certification, awarded by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is a testament to GSCs dedication to meeting and exceeding global standards in its operations. ISO 9001:2015 is the latest version of the international standard for quality management systems, emphasizing a process-oriented approach to ensure organizations consistently deliver high-quality products and services. GSCs successful certification process reflects its adherence to rigorous quality management practices and continuous improvement initiatives. One key aspect of ISO 9001:2015 is its focus on customer satisfaction. GSCs commitment to understanding and meeting customer requirements is highlighted through this certification, as it demonstrates the company’s dedication to providing products and services that consistently meet or exceed customer expectations. This customer-centric approach is crucial in todays competitive business environment, where customer satisfaction plays a pivotal role in the success of any organization. Furthermore, the ISO certification positions Gulf Scientific Corporation as a reliable and trustworthy partner for businesses seeking high-quality scientific equipment and solutions. It enhances the company’s reputation and opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations on a global scale. By implementing a robust quality management system, GSC will also be better equipped to manage risks and seize opportunities, ensuring the organizations resilience and adaptability in a dynamic market. Internally, the certification process has led to improved operational efficiency within GSC. Through a thorough examination of its processes and procedures, the company has already identified areas for enhancement and optimization. This commitment to continuous improvement not only aligns with
ISO 9001:2015 requirements but also positions GSC as a forward-thinking and adaptive organization. Gulf Scientific Corporations attainment of the ISO 9001:2015 certification underscores its dedication to quality, customer satisfaction, and ongoing improvement. This achievement not only enhances GSCs reputation in the industry but also instils confidence in its customers, partners, and stakeholders. As GSC continues to uphold these high standards, the ISO 9001:2015 certification serves as a symbol of the company's commitment to excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of scientific solutions.

Continue Reading

Trending