The United Arab Emirates expressed its support for the decision of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ban agricultural products coming from the Republic of Lebanon after it was confirmed that these products were used to smuggle drugs into Saudi territory. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation affirmed support for Saudi Arabia in the measures it takes to protect society from the scourge of drugs and its backing for all steps taken in its ongoing efforts to combat this organized crime, as well as its right to preserve the safety of its community.
The ministry called for the development of appropriate technologies and the adoption of all necessary measures to curb the smuggling of this dangerous scourge, which threatens the safety of societies and harms their interests.
**Saudi Decision**
On Friday, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia decided to prevent Lebanese vegetables and fruits from entering or passing through its territory, effective from Sunday morning. Saudi Arabia stated that the relevant authorities had noted an increase in targeted drug smuggling activities towards the Kingdom from Lebanon, adding that "the Lebanese authorities must provide documented guarantees to take measures to stop systematic drug smuggling." It also mentioned that the Ministry of Interior would monitor shipments and other consignments coming from Lebanon, stating, "We have made numerous attempts to urge the relevant Lebanese authorities to stop drug smuggling."
The official spokesperson for the General Directorate of Drug Control in the Saudi Ministry of Interior, Captain Mohammed Al-Najidi, stated that proactive security monitoring of the activities of criminal networks involved in smuggling narcotic substances into Saudi Arabia led to the thwarting of an attempt to smuggle 2,466,563 captagon pills.
**Lebanese Response**
In response, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Saudi embassy "notified us of the ban decision it took, and we have escalated the matter to senior officials." It continued: "Drug smuggling abroad harms our economy and our farmers." It clarified: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants was informed on Friday afternoon by the Saudi embassy of the content of the Saudi decision to prohibit the entry of vegetables and fruits from Lebanon to its territory before its announcement, and Minister Charbel Wehbe raised the issue with senior officials."
The ministry confirmed that drug smuggling in containers or trucks loaded with fruits and vegetables from Lebanon abroad is an act punishable by Lebanese law, reiterating that drug smuggling and shipping harm the economy, Lebanese farmers, and the reputation of Lebanon.
