Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 19, 2025 – The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has reported a significant achievement in its ongoing efforts to combat illegal trade and smuggling across Saudi Arabia. During a week-long period, customs officers at the Kingdom’s land, air, and sea ports successfully seized a total of 2,124 prohibited items, underscoring ZATCA’s continued commitment to ensuring the safety and security of society while safeguarding the Kingdom’s borders from illicit activities.
Among the items seized were 98 separate cases involving narcotics, including dangerous substances such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, shabu, and Captagon pills. The customs authorities also intercepted 256 other prohibited substances that were being smuggled into the Kingdom, further highlighting the diverse range of illegal goods targeted by ZATCA’s efforts. The authority’s commitment to controlling the flow of narcotics and other harmful substances is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to protect public health and maintain security.
A significant portion of the seizures involved tobacco products, with over 1,745 attempts to smuggle tobacco and its derivatives successfully thwarted. Additionally, 22 cases involving the illegal transport of sums of money, and three cases involving weapons and their accessories, were also recorded. These seizures underscore ZATCA’s vigilance in monitoring all forms of illegal trade, from narcotics and weapons to money laundering and tobacco smuggling.
In a statement, ZATCA reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening customs controls on both imports and exports to prevent the entry and exit of illegal goods. The authority emphasized its close cooperation with other relevant agencies, ensuring a united front in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade. This collaborative approach is essential in maintaining the Kingdom’s integrity and upholding the rule of law in all sectors of society.
To further enhance its anti-smuggling operations, ZATCA has called on the public to actively participate in identifying and reporting smuggling activities. The authority has made it clear that it values community involvement and urges citizens to report any suspicious activities through its designated security report hotline at 1910, via email at [email protected], or through the international number 009661910. ZATCA has also pledged to handle all reports in strict confidentiality and offers financial rewards for accurate and actionable information.
The ZATCA’s ongoing success in seizing prohibited items reflects its steadfast commitment to safeguarding the Kingdom from illegal trade activities that pose risks to national security and public well-being. By continuously improving its operations and engaging with the public, ZATCA plays a critical role in maintaining the safety, security, and prosperity of Saudi Arabia. The authority’s proactive approach in monitoring customs operations and working alongside relevant agencies ensures a robust defense against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade.