RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi authorities have executed an Afghan national convicted of attempting to smuggle heroin into the kingdom, the country’s interior ministry announced on on Sunday.
The man, identified as Badshah Qul Suleimani, was arrested in the Mecca region after he was caught trying to bring narcotics into Saudi Arabia by ingesting the drugs — a method commonly known as “body packing.” Border security officials detained him during entry procedures, according to a statement by the ministry.
Following an investigation, Suleimani was charged with drug trafficking, convicted by the Supreme Court, and sentenced to death. A royal decree authorized the execution, which was carried out in Mecca, though the ministry did not specify the exact date.
In a statement reported by The New Arab, the ministry said the execution reflects the kingdom’s “firm stance” against narcotics and its determination to “protect the safety of citizens and residents from the scourge of drugs.”
The statement warned that anyone involved in drug trafficking would face the harshest penalties under Saudi law, citing the “severe harm” illicit drugs cause to individuals and society.
The execution comes as Saudi Arabia faces continued criticism from human rights organizations for its frequent use of capital punishment. Rights groups have accused the government of using executions not only for criminal offenses but also to suppress dissent and silence opposition.
According to Amnesty International, Saudi Arabia carried out at least 345 executions in 2023 — more than double the number recorded the previous year.
