Riyadh, January 12, 2025 – Saudi Arabia's efforts to combat smuggling and illegal trade have seen significant success in the past week, with customs ports across the Kingdom reporting a total of 1,909 seizures of prohibited items. These seizures, which took place across the nation’s land, sea, and air entry points, are part of the ongoing initiatives by the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) to safeguard the Kingdom’s borders and ensure the safety and security of its society.
The ZATCA reported a range of prohibited goods among the seizures, with narcotics accounting for a notable portion. A total of 61 separate cases involved narcotics such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, shabu, and Captagon pills. These substances, often linked to organized crime and public health concerns, were intercepted before they could enter the country. In addition, 275 separate instances of other prohibited substances were identified and blocked by customs officers.
Among the other contraband items, more than 1,500 attempts to smuggle tobacco and its derivatives were thwarted, highlighting the ongoing challenge of controlling the illegal trade of these substances. Customs authorities also intercepted 36 cases involving cash smuggling and two instances related to weapons and their accessories, underscoring the wide range of illicit activities that customs officials are actively working to prevent.
The ZATCA reiterated its commitment to enhancing security and maintaining robust customs controls over both imports and exports. The authority emphasized the importance of these efforts, not just in protecting the Kingdom’s borders but also in ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s economy and public health are shielded from the detrimental effects of illegal smuggling and trade.
To further strengthen its fight against smuggling and illicit activities, ZATCA has called on the public to play a role in helping to safeguard the Kingdom. Citizens and residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or violations of the Common Customs Law through the authority's designated hotline at 1910, via email at [email protected], or through the international number (00966114208417). The ZATCA assured that all reports would be handled confidentially, and those who provide valuable information leading to the successful apprehension of criminals could receive financial rewards as a recognition of their contribution to the Kingdom’s security efforts.
By actively cooperating with relevant law enforcement agencies and adopting cutting-edge technology, the ZATCA remains vigilant in its mission to curb illegal trade, reduce crime, and protect the national economy and society from the harmful impact of smuggling activities.