8 Indians Face Death Penalty in Saudi Over Drug Charges
Eight Indian nationals face potential death sentences in Saudi Arabia after being caught with narcotics hidden in packages meant for charity.
Eight Indian nationals are facing the possibility of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia after being caught with significant quantities of controlled substances. The group, which includes individuals from Kerala and West Bengal, has been detained in a Jeddah prison for nearly two months.
The Arrest and Allegations
The detainees arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport via Coimbatore on August 10, 2026. Upon inspection, authorities discovered large amounts of pregabalin, a controlled substance commonly known as Lyrica, hidden within their luggage.
The individuals facing prosecution include:
- Umar Shareef (also known as Cherukattil Abdulrahiman Umer Shareef) from Thrissur, Kerala.
- Seven men from West Bengal: S.K. Kamal, Kafizul Sheikh, Abraham Sheikh, Saudhin Sheikh, Nasimuddin Abdul Bari, Ajigul Gazi, and Jahiruddin Sheikh.
The Saudi Public Prosecution is seeking the death penalty for all eight men under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Law. In addition to the potential capital charges, the men face massive financial penalties. Umar Shareef was reportedly fined 299,799.78 Saudi Riyals, while Abraham Sheikh faces a fine of 314,370 Riyals.
A Recruitment Trap?
The families of the accused maintain that the men are innocent victims of a sophisticated recruitment scam. According to reports, the group was recruited by intermediaries identified as Ali from Malappuram and Ashiq from Thrissur.
The men were allegedly promised lucrative employment as masonry supervisors and the opportunity for a free Umrah pilgrimage. They were reportedly instructed to transport packages that they believed contained "sweets, food, and medicine for children in Palestine and Sudan." It is believed these items were used to conceal the narcotics.
Legal Delays and Family Pleas
The case is currently being heard before the Fourth Joint Judicial Court in Jeddah. However, legal proceedings have encountered delays due to the absence of a Bengali interpreter to assist the West Bengal detainees.
As the legal battle continues, families are desperately seeking government intervention. Hajara, the wife of Umar Shareef, has filed formal complaints with the Kerala Chief Minister, the Director General of Police, and the Kunnamkulam police. She has also reached out to the Indian Consulate in Saudi Arabia through Member of Parliament E.T. Mohammed Basheer to secure consular support while investigations into the Indian-based intermediaries continue.