RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s land, sea and air customs ports foiled 1,131 smuggling attempts, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) announced.
The seizures included 118 types of narcotic substances, including hashish, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine (shabu), Captagon pills and other illicit drugs. Authorities also intercepted 402 prohibited materials.
ZATCA said customs officers also thwarted the smuggling of 2,478 tobacco and tobacco-related products, in addition to 25 cases involving undeclared cash and nine cases involving weapons and related equipment.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to tightening customs controls over the Kingdom’s imports and exports in coordination with relevant government agencies to safeguard society and enhance national security.
ZATCA also urged the public to help combat smuggling by reporting suspected violations. It said all reports are handled confidentially and that financial rewards are offered when the information leads to a verified customs violation.
Source: Saudi Gazette