Riyadh, January 4, 2025—The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has made significant progress in its ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling, recently thwarting several high-profile smuggling attempts at major entry points in Saudi Arabia. The successful interception operations resulted in the seizure of over 220,000 illicit drugs, highlighting ZATCA's commitment to enhancing border security and its role in protecting public health and national security.
The first of these interceptions occurred at the King Fahd Causeway, the main entry point connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Here, ZATCA officials discovered 120,370 hidden Captagon pills inside a car, and further revealed an additional 45,975 pills cleverly concealed within the car's door cavity. This discovery is part of a complex smuggling operation that attempted to bypass strict customs inspection procedures. The seized drugs were immediately confiscated, and the investigation is still ongoing.
At the port of Haditha, another major seizure operation has been launched. Customs officials discovered 21,011 meticulously concealed qatari pills in a passenger's suitcase, which was packed with clothes. This seizure highlights the clever methods traffickers use to conceal illegal substances within everyday items, further underscoring the challenges authorities face in combating drug trafficking. Despite the smugglers' efforts to evade inspection, strict checking procedures ensured that the drugs were intercepted before reaching the streets of the kingdom.
The third successful interception occurred at Daba Port, where ZATCA officials discovered 34,084 hidden Captagon pills in the driver's cabin of a truck. This latest discovery further adds to the list of smuggling attempts thwarted at the kingdom's ports, underscoring the importance of ZATCA's proactive stance in combating drug trafficking.
In a swift and coordinated response, ZATCA closely collaborated with the Narcotics Control Bureau to arrest two suspects related to smuggling activities. These individuals are currently under investigation for attempting to smuggle illegal substances into the country.
ZATCA reiterated its commitment to maintaining a strong and vigilant stance in customs control, prioritizing the detection and interception of illegal goods at all entry points. The agency's actions are an important part of its broader strategy, aimed at protecting public health in Saudi Arabia, preventing harmful substances from endangering society, and ensuring border security. By identifying and dismantling smuggling operations, ZATCA plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety and the integrity of the national legal and economic framework.
The authorities have urged the public to actively participate in combating drug smuggling, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in protecting the kingdom's society and national economy. To encourage citizen participation, ZATCA has provided multiple confidential channels to report suspected smuggling activities. Individuals are encouraged to report any information related to smuggling crimes and violations of the unified customs system through the confidential reporting hotline 1910, the international number 009661910, or via email at [email protected]. To encourage public participation, ZATCA has also announced that economic rewards will be given for accurate and actionable information, further strengthening the joint efforts to address this serious issue.
ZATCA's recent success stories not only highlight the agency's operational efficiency but also demonstrate its increasingly important role in combating the trafficking of illegal substances on a broader regional and global scale. The agency is committed to strengthening customs enforcement, setting an example for other countries that wish to enhance security measures and combat smuggling at all levels.