Police from Al-Qunfudah Governorate's Hali town on Friday captured 29 unidentified illegal aliens who were hiding under bundles of fodder on the bed of a small truck heading for Makkah from Jizan. Police officers on patrol became suspicious when they saw the bundles move. The truck was parked at a gas station, 75 km south of Al-Qunfudah. The patrol called for back-up and the vehicle was searched. The illegal aliens admitted they were on their way to Makkah to beg during Ramadan. They said the driver was paid SR450 by each person. Brig. Ali Mousa Hakami, Hali police chief, said the arrested persons will be handed over to the Passports Dept. for deportation, adding that police patrols are being increased ahead of and during Ramadan.
