Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Meteorology and Environment Protection will soon be launching an environmental police force, Al Sharq Al Awsat newspaper reported.
Speaking to the news outlet, Faisal Al Sawat, the head of the Authority's legal department, said the force is set to start working across the kingdom very soon.
"Officers will be spread across the country to ensure the protection of its environment and wildlife," he said.
He also added that the unit's work will protect Saudi Arabia's environment from illegal hunting, deforestation, and other activities that are detrimental to it.
Under the new department, violators will face jail and fines
Al Sawat explained that those who are destroying the country's environment will no longer be able to escape punishment. The environmental police unit will be tasked with detaining anyone found violating environmental rules.
Violators will also face legal consequences of their actions, with punishments including jail sentences and fines of up to 5 million riyals ($1.3 million).
The news is now all over Saudi Twitter
Many were extremely supportive of the move
"Protecting the environment means protecting human beings. Launching an environmental police unit will certainly help instill this rhetoric. We're so happy to hear this news and grateful to those behind the decision."