In a new security operation that underscores the vigilance of those safeguarding the nation's borders, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) announced the results of its field operations during the past week. Through various land, sea, and air customs ports, it successfully intercepted 965 smuggling attempts of various types. These intensive efforts are part of the comprehensive national strategy to protect Saudi society from the scourge of drugs and prohibited substances that threaten the security and stability of the Kingdom.
Details of the seizures and the variety of smuggling methods
Official statistics released by the authority revealed that the operations encompassed a wide range of contraband, reflecting the scale of the challenges faced by customs officers and the diverse tactics employed by smugglers. Narcotics topped the list, with 114 different types seized, including highly dangerous substances such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, the deadly methamphetamine (crystal meth), and Captagon pills, which are among the most targeted drugs for the region's youth.
The seizures were not limited to narcotics; they also included 437 other prohibited substances banned from entering the Kingdom for security, health, or commercial reasons. In addition, the smuggling of 1,950 types of tobacco and its derivatives was thwarted, reflecting the Authority's economic role in combating tax evasion and protecting the local market. The list also included the seizure of 10 cases related to the smuggling of funds (financial disclosure violations) and 3 cases of smuggling weapons and related equipment, highlighting the critical security role of the ports of entry.
National context: The war on drugs and protecting the economy
These figures cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of Saudi Arabia, where the country is waging a fierce war against drug traffickers and smugglers. ZATCA plays a crucial role as the first line of defense in this battle, employing state-of-the-art security technologies and X-ray scanning systems, along with live detection methods (police dogs) and highly trained personnel to uncover hidden compartments in trucks, vehicles, and containers.
These seizures are of paramount importance not only from a security standpoint, but also from an economic and social one. Preventing the entry of these toxins directly contributes to protecting the young human capital upon which the Kingdom relies to achieve Vision 2030. Furthermore, combating the smuggling of counterfeit or tax-evaded goods enhances fair competition in the Saudi market and protects consumers.
Call for community participation
In closing, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority reiterated its commitment to strengthening customs control in cooperation with all partner security agencies. Believing that security is everyone's responsibility, the Authority called upon all citizens and residents to contribute to this national effort by reporting any suspected smuggling activities.
The Authority has allocated secure and confidential channels for communication, including the unified number for security reports (1910), the email address ( 1910@zatca.gov.sa ), and the international number (009661910), stressing that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality, with generous financial rewards allocated to informants in the event that the information is proven to be true, in order to encourage integrated work between the community and the regulatory bodies.
