Environmental violations uncovered in the city and smugglers apprehended in Asir – details and penalties
As part of the ongoing security and field efforts undertaken by the Saudi Ministry of Interior to enhance compliance with regulations and protect national resources, patrols from the General Directorate of Mujahideen in the Madinah region apprehended a citizen for violating environmental regulations. He was found in possession of quantities of locally sourced firewood offered for sale. Initial legal procedures were initiated against him, and the seized items were handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.
Efforts to protect vegetation cover and combat desertification
This operation is part of the broader efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to preserve the environment and vegetation cover, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative. Security and regulatory authorities are working intensively to monitor and track the marketing of local charcoal and firewood, both within cities and governorates and on roads connecting regions, in addition to monitoring online platforms that may be used to promote these products illegally. This strict enforcement of regulations aims to curb the phenomenon of illegal logging, which threatens the ecological balance and contributes to the expansion of desertification.
Security crackdown in Asir and deterrent penalties
In a related security operation, patrols from the General Directorate of Mujahideen in the Asir region apprehended an Egyptian resident for transporting Yemeni nationals who had violated border security regulations in a vehicle he was driving. All parties involved were detained and legal procedures were initiated against them, with the violators being referred to the appropriate authorities and the individual who transported them being referred to the Public Prosecution.
In this context, the official spokesperson for the General Directorate of Mujahideen reiterated his strong warnings, emphasizing that the Kingdom's regulations do not tolerate anyone who facilitates the entry of border security violators, transports them, or provides them with shelter. He explained that these actions are considered major crimes warranting arrest and violating honor and integrity, with penalties reaching up to 15 years imprisonment and a fine of up to one million riyals, in addition to confiscation of the vehicle and accommodation used for sheltering the perpetrator, and public shaming of the offender. This reflects the state's resolve in protecting its borders and internal security.
Official reporting channels
The General Directorate of Mujahideen called upon all citizens and residents to cooperate with security authorities by immediately reporting any incidents of environmental or wildlife abuse, or any violations related to residency, labor, and border security regulations. Reports can be submitted by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom, to ensure a safe society and a sustainable environment.
