Riyadh:
A Pakistani citizen has been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia after being convicted on charges of drug smuggling, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, officials confirmed that the individual was found guilty of attempting to smuggle drugs into the kingdom, a crime considered among the most serious offences under Saudi law.
This verdict comes a day after Saudi authorities executed a Saudi citizen who was convicted on charges of terrorism and acting against national security. Officials said the man had joined a terrorist organisation that aimed to disrupt the country’s peace and stability while supporting acts of violence.
Severe punishments for drug crimes
Saudi Arabia enforces some of the world’s harshest penalties for drug-related offences. Under the kingdom’s laws, trafficking or possession of large quantities of drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, is punishable by death. The death sentence is commonly handed down when an individual is found with more than 50 grams of hard drugs.
In cases involving smaller quantities, offenders face long prison sentences that can span several years to multiple decades. Prison conditions are reported to be extremely strict. Additionally, courts may impose heavy fines, particularly for first-time offenders caught with small amounts of illegal substances.
Swift legal proceedings
The Saudi legal system processes drug-related cases with urgency. Individuals arrested for trafficking are usually tried within one to two weeks, after which sentences are swiftly implemented. Authorities maintain a zero-tolerance approach to drug crimes, leaving minimal room for leniency or legal manoeuvring.
