The fabulous and mysterious substance ‘Red Mercury‘ is still plaguing Saudi Arabia, according to recent media reports. This time around, it’s somehow hidden within the bowels of antiquated Singer sewing machines! Instead of merely multiplying riches as in the January incident, it how provides a channel for communications with the jinn—or at least offers the promise of a long life. Belief in the magical qualities of a substance yet unknown to science has pushed the price of these otherwise defunct machines from US $40.00 to US $40,000 or more. Being a con artist with a gullible public before you seems immensely remunerative! At least the ‘red mercury’ is working for somebody!!

Credit: Saudi Gazette

Saudi Gazette/Okaz report on the phenomenon and tell of some of the side-effects:

Paying the price for red mercury mania
Abdullah Al-Maqati

DHULUM/JEDDAH/NAJRAN/BAHA – Saudis in search of a quick buck have begun paying the price for investing in rumors that the Singer make of sewing machine contains the so-called “red mercury” substance.

As the rumors started sweeping the Kingdom a few days ago the prices of Singer sewing machines rocketed from SR200 to hundreds of thousands, with one reported case of a machine being sold for half a million riyals.

After various authorities around the Kingdom denounced the rumors and clarified the existential status of “red mercury” – that its very existence is entirely unproven – some Saudis who saw the opportunity for a quick buck were subsequently left with painful losses.
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Arab News is more prosaic, offering the basic story:

Singer mania being ‘cured’

JEDDAH: Groups of undercover police have been deployed to monitor Jeddah’s markets following a surge in the sale of old Singer sewing machines.

Col. Misfer Al-Juaid, official spokesman for Jeddah police, said there have been reports of people coming to Jeddah from the Kingdom’s northern and central region’s to buy the machines. He added that those selling sewing machines would have their machines seized.
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