Saudi environmental authorities have arrested five expatriates for illegal excavation in the Eastern Province. The operation also resulted in the seizure of four pieces of equipment used to dig and transport soil. The arrests form part of wider efforts to prevent environmental damage and protect the Kingdom’s natural resources.
The Special Forces for Environmental Security detained the five individuals after discovering their unauthorized exploitation of natural deposits. Authorities identified the suspects as nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Yemen. They face action under Saudi Arabia’s Environmental Law, while the relevant legal procedures have already begun.
The seized equipment included machinery used to excavate and move soil from natural deposits. However, authorities did not provide further details about the exact location or scale of the activity. The operation reflects continued enforcement against practices that threaten land, vegetation and wildlife.
Meanwhile, environmental officers have increased inspections targeting several other violations across the Kingdom. Recent cases have involved unauthorized firewood transportation, entry into protected reserves and pollution. Authorities have also taken action against violations of camping and fire-safety regulations.
On October 28, environmental forces arrested a citizen transporting two cubic meters of local firewood. Officers discovered the material inside the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve. They subsequently transferred the seized firewood to the appropriate authorities.
Transporting local firewood or charcoal can result in fines reaching SR16,000 per cubic meter. On the same day, officers arrested four citizens entering the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve without permits. Unauthorized entry into protected areas carries a fine of SR5,000.
Furthermore, authorities reported separate incidents involving prohibited fires and unauthorized camping. On October 25, officers apprehended a citizen for lighting a fire outside designated areas. The incident occurred inside the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve, where the fine can reach SR3,000.
Two days later, environmental forces arrested another citizen for camping without permission in Asir. The violation involved camping inside a forest or national park without the required authorization. Regulations set a fine of up to SR3,000 for this offence.
Authorities have also pursued cases involving direct damage to soil and natural resources. On October 9, officers arrested a Sudanese resident in the Eastern Province. They accused him of dumping concrete materials and contaminating the surrounding soil.
Under environmental regulations, activities that damage or pollute soil can carry substantial financial penalties. The maximum fine may reach SR10 million, depending on the violation. This includes actions that affect soil use or destroy its natural characteristics.
The latest Illegal Excavation arrests highlight the authorities’ focus on preventing unauthorized extraction. Such activities can disturb land, damage natural deposits and undermine environmental protection efforts. Therefore, enforcement operations aim to discourage violations before they cause further environmental harm.
The environmental security forces have also encouraged residents and citizens to report suspected violations. They say authorities will handle submitted reports confidentially and protect those who provide information. Reporting individuals will not face liability for submitting such reports.
People can contact emergency number 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province. Residents in other regions can instead use 999 or 996 to report violations. Authorities consider public cooperation an important part of protecting natural resources and enforcing environmental laws.
Saudi Arabia continues to pursue environmental protection measures aimed at preserving natural resources and wildlife. These efforts also seek to expand protected areas and strengthen compliance with environmental regulations. The latest operation adds to the Kingdom’s ongoing enforcement activities across several regions.
