Mishal Al-Otaibi Saudi Gazette RIYADH — The deputy director general of the Anti-Narcotics Department has denied politicians were involved in the smuggling and manufacture of narcotics reaching the Kingdom. Maj. Gen. Ahmad Al-Zahrani said investigation authorities in the department have not confirmed the involvement of politicians in the smuggling of narcotics. He said the movement of large quantities of narcotics in neighboring countries does not mean politicians are involved in this activity, as “evil” narcotics smuggling gangs are existent in all countries of the world, especially those that are ahead of the Kingdom in technological and security development. He admitted several teachers and students in the Kingdom's schools were involved in drug abuse. Al-Zahrani agreed that there were drug abusers in schools but they formed a very small minority among students. He denied claims that teachers were found involved in smuggling or trafficking operations during preemptive strikes carried out by the department. He said during these preemptive strikes drug smugglers and traffickers were arrested. Al-Zahrani said a large percentage of narcotics that entered the Kingdom were adulterated with substances that can cause brain damage within six months of taking them.
