A Captagon smuggling attempt was thwarted at the Al-Haditha border crossing; 154,000 pills were seized
In another security achievement added to its record of successes, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) at the Al-Haditha border crossing thwarted an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of Captagon pills, totaling 154,108 tablets. The authority explained that this quantity was professionally concealed within a shipment of tents arriving in the Kingdom, in a desperate attempt by smugglers to introduce their narcotics into the country.
Details of the security operation and coordination
The official spokesperson for the ZATCA (Terrorist Financing Control Authority), Hamoud Al-Harbi, stated that the shipment underwent standard customs procedures upon arrival at the port, where its contents were inspected using the latest security technologies and live detection methods. During the inspection, Captagon pills were found concealed within the shipment. Al-Harbi added that following the seizure, high-level security coordination was undertaken with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (MDEA) to ensure the arrest of those who would receive the shipment within the Kingdom. The joint efforts were successful, resulting in the arrest of five individuals who were awaiting the shipment.
General context: The Kingdom's ongoing war on drugs
This operation comes within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's tireless efforts to combat the scourge of drugs and protect society from their harms. Captagon pills, a derivative of the stimulant amphetamine, are among the most commonly smuggled drugs targeting the Kingdom by regional organized crime networks. The Al-Haditha border crossing, which connects the Kingdom to Jordan, is one of the most important and busiest land crossings, making it a strategic point that requires constant security vigilance to thwart smuggling attempts, whose methods are constantly evolving.
Importance and impact: Protecting national and societal security
The significance of this operation lies not only in the seizure of narcotics but also in dismantling a crucial link in the smuggling network by arresting dealers and recipients within the country. This success enhances community security and protects its youth from falling prey to addiction, which has devastating health, social, and economic consequences. Regionally, these repeated seizures send a strong message to smuggling networks that the Kingdom's security is a red line and that its borders are secure against their attempts thanks to the efficiency and vigilance of customs officials and other security agencies.
The General Authority of Customs and Trade (ZATCA) reiterated its commitment to strengthening customs control over all imports and exports to the Kingdom and to standing firm against anything that could harm the security and safety of the nation and its citizens. The Authority also called on everyone to contribute to these national efforts by reporting any information related to smuggling crimes through official channels, such as the dedicated security reporting number (1910) or email (1910@zatca.gov.sa), guaranteeing complete confidentiality for the informant and offering a financial reward if the information is found to be true.
