Quneitra, Aug. 8 (SANA)Syria’s Drug Enforcement Department has foiled an attempt to smuggle a shipment of narcotics out of the country during a security operation targeting a criminal network in the southern countryside of Quneitra.

In a statement issued Saturday, thedepartmentsaid the operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of 17.5 kilograms of narcotics, around 100,000 pills, a firearm, a tactical vest, and ammunition.

The seized materials were confiscated, while the suspects were referred to the competent judicial authorities to face legal proceedings.

The operation came a day after the department arrested two people accused of drug trafficking and distribution inTartous. Authorities seized 27 kilograms of hashish, 5,000 Captagon pills, as well as weapons and ammunition in that operation.F.J./M.F