2 trucks seized for transporting illegally mined basalts in Khirbet es-Samra — Water Ministry

AMMAN — The Ministry of Water and Irrigation on Tuesday said that two trucks were seized for carrying illegally mined basalts from the state-owned lands in Khirbet es-Samra area, according to a Water Ministry statement made available to The Jordan Times.

The seizure of vehicles comes as a result of a security campaign, in cooperation with the Interior Ministry and the Zarqa Police Department, the statement added. 

The state-owned lands in Khirbet es-Samra area are of high economic value, however, it poses risks to environment and are considered a source of disturbance to residents, the statement said.

The ministry pointed out that a team from the Hashemiya Police Department seized the two trucks and arrested the drivers who allegedly attempted to flee the scene, according to the statement.

The Water Ministry praised the efforts exerted by the Public Security Directorate (PSD) teams, the Royal Department for Environmental Protection (Rangers), the head of the security centre and the governor to protect the water sector's properties and its establishments’ safety.

The ministry also said that it would continue its efforts together with all official entities, security bodies, the PSD and the Interior Ministry.

The ministry urged the public to contact the unified complaints number 117116 to report any violations, assuring that it will show “no leniency” in dealing with violations.