According to the ministry, the individual was identified as Azhar Wal Hassan Sultan Mahmood, a Pakistani national who was convicted of smuggling methamphetamine into Saudi Arabia. Security authorities arrested the suspect and initiated the necessary criminal investigation before referring the case to the competent court. The proceedings examined the allegations relating to the smuggling offence and resulted in a judicial determination of guilt.

The Ministry of Interior explained that the court found the accused guilty of the offence and sentenced him to death as a discretionary punishment under the applicable legal framework. The ruling subsequently passed through the appeals process and was upheld by the Supreme Court, becoming final. The authorities then completed the additional procedures required before the sentence could be enforced.

Following the confirmation of the ruling, a royal order was issued authorising implementation of the sentence. The ministry’s announcement therefore describes a completed judicial process rather than a preliminary accusation or a judgment awaiting appeal. The sequence included the original arrest, investigation, referral to court, conviction, judicial review and final authorisation for enforcement.

The sentence was carried out on Saturday, October 31, 2026, corresponding to 20 Jumada Al-Awwal 1448 AH, in the Makkah region. The date is significant because the Ministry of Interior released its statement on the same day the execution took place. As of Sunday, November 1, the event is therefore being reported as an execution already carried out, not a forthcoming judicial action.

Methamphetamine is a powerful synthetic stimulant associated with serious health and social risks. Its production, distribution and trafficking are subject to strict legal controls in many jurisdictions. Saudi authorities have repeatedly identified drug trafficking as a serious threat to public safety, particularly because of its potential consequences for individuals, families and communities.

In its statement, the Ministry of Interior emphasized the Saudi government’s determination to protect citizens and residents from the dangers of narcotics. It said that drug trafficking and promotion could cause severe harm to society and that the relevant authorities would continue applying the penalties provided under Saudi law to individuals convicted of such offences.

The ministry also warned that those who engage in drug smuggling or distribution expose themselves to severe legal consequences. The warning formed part of the government’s official announcement of the completed sentence, which identified the offence, confirmed the judicial process and explained the circumstances under which the punishment was implemented.

The case is particularly relevant to foreign residents and travellers because it highlights the seriousness with which Saudi Arabia treats drug trafficking offences. However, legal outcomes depend on the specific criminal conduct, evidence and judicial findings in each individual case. The sentence announced in this case should not be interpreted as an automatic penalty for every offence involving controlled substances.

The October 31 announcement ultimately confirmed that the Pakistani national’s conviction had become final after judicial review and that the execution had been implemented following the required royal order. The Ministry of Interior reiterated that Saudi authorities would continue enforcing the Kingdom’s laws against narcotics trafficking as part of broader efforts to protect public safety and prevent drug-related harm.

Source: Saudi Ministry of Interior – Saudi Press Agency (SPA) – Okaz