MINA: The Interior Ministry announced on Friday that the Hajj Security Forces apprehended 18 suspects at Makkah’s entrances for violating Hajj rules and regulations by transporting 91 persons without Hajj permits. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the suspects, a GCC national, an expatriate and 16 Saudi citizens, were detained on Thursday. The General Directorate of Passports’ seasonal administrative committees issued against the offenders 18 administrative decisions, including a prison sentence for a period of 15 days for each transporter, and a fine of SR10,000 ($2,666). Fines are multiplied against transporters according to the total number of persons (without Hajj permits) transported. Meanwhile, expatriate offenders will be deported after serving their punishments and will be prevented from entering the Kingdom for the periods specified by the pertinent laws. The offenders will be named and shamed, and the authorities have also impounded the two vehicles used in transportation. The Interior Ministry called on citizens and expatriates to abide by Hajj rules and regulations so that pilgrims could enjoy safety, security and comfort while performing their rituals.