Iran warns pilgrims not to carry narcotic medicine

Iranian officials report 190 Umrah pilgrims have been arrested in Saudi Arabia for carrying narcotics during their pilgrimage.

“Around 1,000 Iranian nationals had been arrested at the Iranian borders prior to their Umrah pilgrimage for holding narcotics medications,” Deputy Secretary General of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Drug Control Headquarters said.

“A total of 190 Umrah pilgrims remain imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for holding such medications,” Taha Taheri added.

“Hajj is about to start in a matter of a month. Pilgrims must obey rules and avoid holding narcotic medications such as Codeine, Methadone, and Tramadol,” he continued.

Iran has been trying to free the imprisoned pilgrims. Iranian officials have also criticized the Saudi government for failing to provide Iranian pilgrims with security during their travels in Saudi Arabia.

The fate of an Iranian national, Shahram Amiri, who went missing in Saudi Arabia nearly five months ago, still remains unclear.

Amiri, a researcher at Tehran's Malek Ashtar University, traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca in June. He contacted his family three days after his arrival in the kingdom but has been missing ever since.

Saudi officials have failed to provide Iran with a convincing explanation.

The Umrah Hajj is very much similar to the main Hajj, except that it can be undertaken at any time of the year. Around 100,000 Iranians are awaiting to make the main Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca this year.