The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced today (Sunday) the execution of a perpetrator in the Makkah region, after he was found guilty of smuggling cocaine into the Kingdom, as part of the state’s ongoing and decisive security efforts to combat the scourge of drugs and protect society from its grave dangers.

Details of the crime and the legal ruling

According to the official statement issued by the Ministry, Hassan Jibril Abkar Mohammed, a Sudanese resident, attempted to smuggle a quantity of cocaine into the Kingdom. Thanks to God, and then to vigilance and close monitoring of border crossings, the competent security authorities were able to apprehend the aforementioned perpetrator.

Following his arrest, he was investigated and charged with the crime, and his case was referred to the competent court. After reviewing the case and completing all legal procedures, a legal ruling was issued confirming the charges against him and sentencing him to death by way of discretionary punishment. This ruling became final after being upheld by the Court of Appeal and then the Supreme Court, and a royal decree was issued to carry out the legally mandated punishment.

The war on drugs: a firm security and judicial context

This execution comes within the context of the comprehensive security campaign launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against drug traffickers and smugglers, known as the "War on Drugs." The Kingdom takes a firm and uncompromising stance against anyone who attempts to target the nation's security and its youth with these poisons, as drug smuggling is considered a major crime warranting arrest and directly impacting national security.

Judicial rulings in such cases are based on Islamic law, which came to preserve the five necessities, including reason and life. Spreading narcotic poisons on earth is considered a crime that warrants the harshest punishments to deter anyone who dares to tamper with the security and stability of society.

Protecting society and youth from devastating effects

The Ministry of Interior concluded its statement by affirming the keenness of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to maintain security and achieve justice, and to protect citizens and residents from the harms of drugs, which cause the loss of innocent lives, serious corruption in the youth, the individual and society, as well as the disruption of human potential and the violation of rights.

The ministry stressed that legal punishment will be the fate of anyone who smuggles or promotes these toxic substances, while warning anyone who tries to exploit the Kingdom’s territory to carry out these crimes that the security services are watching them closely.

The National Water Company announced the completion of two vital water and wastewater network projects in the Qassim region, reflecting its ongoing commitment to developing the Kingdom's water and environmental infrastructure. The total cost of these projects exceeded 48 million Saudi Riyals. This achievement will enhance the services provided to residents and improve operational efficiency in the region.

Details of completed projects in Buraidah and Ar Rass

The company revealed the technical details of the two projects. The first project involved the implementation of drinking water networks and pipelines in various neighborhoods of Buraidah, including Al-Yarmouk, Al-Rawabi, Al-Ghadir, and Al-Rawaq. The total length of the pipelines implemented in this section exceeded 65 kilometers, ensuring the delivery of desalinated and sustainable water to homes.

The second project focused on the environmental aspect by implementing sewage networks and lines in Al-Rass Governorate, specifically to serve the Al-Shananah and Industrial neighborhoods, with a length exceeding 40 kilometers. Official company statistics indicate that the direct impact of these two projects will benefit more than 20,000 new residents in the Al-Qassim region, representing a significant improvement in the level of services.

Strengthening infrastructure and keeping pace with urban growth

These projects are of paramount importance given the urban expansion and population growth witnessed in the Qassim region. Extending water and sewage networks not only provides the service but also directly contributes to environmental protection by eliminating the need for traditional septic tanks and reducing reliance on water tankers, thus minimizing visual and environmental pollution and supporting public health in the targeted neighborhoods.

Alignment with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030

The National Water Company affirmed that these efforts are fully aligned with the National Water Strategy and the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the Quality of Life Program. Through these projects, the company aims to expand the coverage of water and environmental services and provide sustainable and reliable solutions that ensure the well-being of citizens and residents. This achievement also reflects the government's commitment to providing the necessary financial support for developing the water sector and mitigating environmental damage.

Call to action for beneficiaries and digital transformation

In closing, the National Water Company urged its valued customers in the serviced neighborhoods of Buraidah (Al-Yarmouk, Al-Rawabi, Al-Ghadir, and Al-Rawaq) and residents of Al-Rass Governorate in the neighborhoods of Al-Shananah and Al-Sina'iyah to apply for water service connections. The company highlighted the ease of the process through its approved digital channels, whether via the official smartphone application or the online branch, in line with its digital transformation plans aimed at streamlining the customer experience.

In a strategic move aimed at transforming the transportation system and traffic management within Saudi cities, the Qassim Region Municipality, in close cooperation and continuous coordination with the Qassim Traffic Department, has begun activating the smart traffic light system at several key intersections in the city of Buraidah. This important initiative comes in implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud, Governor of the Qassim Region and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Traffic Safety, who places great importance on developing the infrastructure and raising the efficiency of the road network in the region to keep pace with the rapid development witnessed by the Kingdom.

Keeping pace with digital transformation and Vision 2030

This ambitious project aligns perfectly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically within the Quality of Life Program initiatives and the smart city concepts that the Kingdom seeks to implement. In recent years, the Kingdom has witnessed significant progress in automating municipal and traffic services, relying on digital solutions instead of traditional systems. The shift towards smart traffic management is a cornerstone in building the cities of the future, as these technologies contribute to transforming cities into more sustainable and efficient environments, thus enhancing the competitiveness of Saudi cities regionally and internationally.

Artificial intelligence technologies for managing traffic density

The Qassim Municipality explained in its statement that the new system relies entirely on the latest artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. These traffic lights are designed for high flexibility, a radical departure from traditional fixed-time systems that can cause unjustified delays. The new lights are distinguished by their superior ability to automatically manage traffic flow at congested intersections based on live traffic density monitored by cameras and precise sensors installed on-site. This ensures that green light timings are distributed according to the actual traffic needs of each lane.

Priority given to emergency vehicles and the implementation of the “Green Wave”

Among the most prominent technical features revealed in this system is its ability to effectively facilitate the tasks of emergency vehicles, ambulances, and civil defense vehicles automatically. Sensors connect to these vehicles to clear the way for them as they approach, thus enhancing the speed of response to emergencies and contributing to saving lives. Studies accompanying the project also indicate that activating the "green wave" technology at successive intersections will significantly reduce waiting times and minimize frequent vehicle stops.

Field application and environmental and economic impact

The system has been successfully piloted at the intersection of King Abdullah Road and King Saud Road on the Northern Ring Road, and work is currently underway to expand its scope to include the intersections of Al-Bayariq Road and other vital thoroughfares in the city. The impact of this transformation extends beyond traffic management to include significant environmental and economic dimensions. Reducing congestion and shortening travel times for citizens and residents will lower carbon emissions from parked vehicles, in addition to saving fuel, making Buraidah a model for implementing smart traffic solutions.