An expatriate convicted of trying to smuggle $279,000 outside the kingdom in dates boxes has received a two-year prison sentence, according to Saudi prosecution officials.
Defendant, who is of African descent, was caught at King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah. No date was provided for the foiled smuggling attempt.
According to investigations, the man attempted to smuggle the dollar cache inside two date boxes stuffed inside his bag.
At the time of his arrest, he also had SR5,000 in his possession.
According to the prosecution official, the man was charged with money laundering and sent to the court which also ordered the confiscated money be confiscated and his deportation after serving the jail term.
According to the official, the prosecution appealed against the ruling, requesting a harsher penalty.
The Saudi public prosecution has repeatedly emphasized the importance of protecting the national economy and warned that violators of the country's financial system will face justice.
Passengers leaving the kingdom with more than SR60,000 in money are required to make a customs declaration.
