Don’t smuggle kola or drugs to Saudi – Hajj Taskforce warns pilgrims

The National Hajj Taskforce has warned Ghanaian pilgrims. They should not smuggle prohibited items during this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. This warning follows strict legal guidelines from Saudi authorities regarding the Hajj.

At a press conference in Accra on May 16, Collins Dauda spoke as the Taskforce Chairman. He urged security agencies to stay alert for any law violations by pilgrims. He also mentioned that a framework will be created to punish offenders.

Dauda emphasized the need to avoid bringing prohibited items. These include large quantities of kola nuts and drugs like tramadol and Gebedol. He noted that chewing kola is allowed in Ghana but not in Saudi Arabia.

He explained that these restrictions are based on Saudi laws, not Ghana's. “If you want to pray in Saudi Arabia, you must follow their rules,” he said. He stressed that no pilgrim should carry even one kola nut.

Dauda highlighted the reputational risks involved with smuggling prohibited items. Such actions could harm Ghana's image at airports and abroad. “We don’t want anything seized in Saudi Arabia,” he concluded.