Saudi Arabia decided to ban shipments of Lebanese vegetables and fruits from entering the Kingdom, starting from Sunday 25 April, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Friday.
The Ministry of Interior noted that decision is expected to remain in effect until the concerned Lebanese authorities provide sufficient and reliable guarantees to take the necessary measures to stop the systematic smuggling operations targeting the Kingdom.
Furthermore, the Ministry affirmed that the decision was taken "based on Saudi Arabia's obligations in accordance with the relevant local regulations and provisions of international conventions related to combating all forms of drug smuggling."
This move comes after the Saudi concerned authorities noticed increased drug smuggling activity targeting the Kingdom from Lebanon or passing through Lebanese territories, SPA added.
The Lebanese products, especially vegetables and fruits consignments, were used in smuggling drugs into the Kingdom's territory, whether through incoming dispatches to Saudi Arabia's markets or with the intent to cross the Kingdom’s neighboring countries.
Saudi Arabia has previously urged the concerned Lebanese authorities to stop these practices towards the Kingdom. However, their attempts failed.
Hence, the ban was necessary to protect the Kingdom's citizens and residents from anything that might affect their safety and security.
Additionally, the Ministry, in cooperation with the concerned authorities, will continue to follow up and monitor other consignments coming from Lebanon, considering the need to take similar measures towards this unacceptable activity.
It also asserted that it will continue monitoring everything that would target the security of the Kingdom and the safety of its citizens and residents from the scourge of drugs, whether from Lebanon or from other countries, stressing that it will not hesitate to take necessary measures to address such attempts.
Follow the latest news on Google News
