Saudi Customs report 1,173 contraband seizures last week

According to a report from the Saudi Gazette, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) successfully intercepted 1,173 attempts to smuggle contraband across Saudi Arabia's land, sea, and air borders within the past week. The seizures represent a significant enforcement effort aimed at curbing the flow of illicit substances and prohibited materials into the Kingdom.

Among the items confiscated were 70 distinct types of narcotics, including large quantities of hashish, cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, and Captagon pills. In addition to narcotics, authorities foiled the smuggling of 888 shipments of tobacco and its derivatives, 13 shipments of counterfeit currency, and one shipment containing weapons and related military equipment. An additional 216 prohibited items were also seized during the operation.

ZATCA officials stated that these actions are part of a broader, ongoing strategy to strengthen national security and protect society from the dangers of illicit trade. The authority emphasized its commitment to maintaining rigorous control over all imports and exports, noting that these results were achieved through continuous coordination with relevant security partners and intelligence agencies.

Beyond enforcement, ZATCA has called upon the public to play an active role in safeguarding the national economy and social stability by reporting suspicious activities. The agency continues to invest in advanced screening technologies and training to enhance its capacity to detect smuggling attempts at all entry points across the country.