JEDDAH, Feb 22 (Arab News): About 119,000 people of different nationalities were arrested in connection with drug trafficking during the past three years, Al-Madinah Arabic daily reported on Monday.

The paper estimated the total value of narcotic drugs seized from smugglers during the period at more than SR18 billion, adding about 400 security officers had died fighting traffickers.

During the same period, the Department for Combating Drugs seized 181 million Captagon pills, 61 tons of hashish, 222 kg of heroin and 2,206 tons of qat.

Captagon is widely used by students, the paper reported, adding more than 800 teenagers have been held at juvenile homes for drug abuse.

The paper also pointed out the use of drugs was the main reason for 60 percent of crimes in the country.

The department in association with the Health Ministry’s regional center for monitoring narcotics recently held a nationwide campaign to raise awareness among youths on the dangers of drugs.

“A team of 242 experts and researchers met with about 10,000 youths in 220 districts and educated them on the harmful effects of drugs,” said Saeed Al-Sariha, director of studies and information at the department.