Saudi customs seize 1,210 prohibited items in one week across border crossings

According to the Saudi Gazette, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has reported the successful interception of 1,210 prohibited items across the Kingdom's land, sea, and air border crossings over the past week. The seizures are part of an ongoing effort by Saudi authorities to strengthen customs controls and prevent the smuggling of illicit goods into the country.

The reported seizures include 88 cases involving narcotics, such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and Captagon pills. In addition to illicit drugs, customs officials intercepted 402 prohibited items, 2,425 tobacco products and derivatives, 18 cases of undeclared cash, and three instances involving weapons and related contraband. These actions were carried out in coordination with various government agencies tasked with national security and border integrity.

ZATCA officials emphasized that the authority remains committed to tightening import and export regulations to safeguard society. The agency has also encouraged the public to assist in these efforts by reporting any suspected smuggling activities or violations of the GCC Common Customs Law through its official channels. The authority noted that such reports are handled with strict confidentiality, and informants may be eligible for financial rewards if their information leads to a successful seizure or legal case.