Saudi monarchs spend huge sums on drugs

Saudi monarchs spend huge sums on drugs
Fri May 24, 2013 18:16:54

A number of the ruling al-Saud monarchy in Saudi Arabia together with some celebrities are squandering huge sums of money on drugs and debauchery, according to a senior cleric.

In a televised interview, Ali al-Maliki said that these individuals - all enjoying immunity from prosecution - excessively indulge in sensual pleasures, crazy partying and wild night parties often consuming a lot of alcohol.

 

He added that he has heard about the ongoing promiscuity in the country from several youths, who used to attend the parities but are remorseful of their past deeds.

 

Maliki also pointed to the massive flow of narcotics into Saudi Arabia, noting that members of the governing regime are involved in smuggling and trade of illicit drugs.
Saudi Arabia is the world's largest oil exporter, with the black gold accounting for 90 percent of the country's exports.

 

However, corruption is so ingrained in Saud Arabia’s royal family that despite the country’s enormous oil money, it struggles with problems such as poverty and unemployment.

 

Job growth and welfare programs in Saudi Arabia have failed to keep pace with a booming population that has soared from 6 million in 1970 to 28 million today, according to a report published in December 2012 by the Washington Post.

 

The report added that in Saudi Arabia, “poverty and anger over corruption continue to grow. Vast sums of money end up in the pockets of the royal family through a web of nepotism, corruption and cozy government contracts, according to Saudi and US analysts.”

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