Smuggling attempt of 4.7 million Captagon pills foiled at Jeddah Islamic Port
In a qualitative operation reflecting high security vigilance, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) was able to deliver a strong blow to drug smuggling networks, as it succeeded in thwarting an attempt to smuggle a huge quantity of amphetamine (Captagon) pills amounting to 4,793,000 pills, which were professionally hidden in a shipment arriving in the Kingdom through Jeddah Islamic Port.
Details of the operation and the exposed deception
The official spokesperson for the authority, Hamoud Al-Harbi, explained the details of the seizure, indicating that the shipment was declared as a shipment of "charcoal." Despite the smugglers' attempt to disguise and conceal the contraband within the charcoal bags to make it appear as ordinary commercial goods, the shipment underwent rigorous customs procedures and was detected using modern security technologies and live detection methods (police dogs), leading to the discovery of this enormous quantity of narcotic pills.
Al-Harbi added that as soon as the seizure operation was completed inside the port, direct coordination was made with the General Directorate of Drug Control to ensure the arrest of the elements involved inside the Kingdom, and this security cooperation resulted in the arrest of the recipient of the seized items.
The War on Drugs: A Comprehensive National Context
This operation comes within the context of the "war on drugs" that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is resolutely waging to protect society from these scourges. Captagon pills are among the most frequently smuggled narcotics that traffickers attempt to bring into the region, given their devastating effects on the nervous system and mental health. This seizure underscores the ongoing intensive security efforts led by the Ministry of Interior and its supporting sectors to cut off smuggling routes. The past period has witnessed the thwarting of numerous similar attempts that exploited shipments of vegetables, fruits, and building materials, but the vigilance of customs officials has been on their side.
The importance of Jeddah port and the role of modern technologies
Jeddah Islamic Port is a vital trade artery for the Kingdom and the region, making it a constant target for smuggling attempts that seek to exploit the high volume of commercial traffic. This underscores the importance of the strategy employed by ZATCA (Saudi Customs Authority) in enhancing customs control through the use of state-of-the-art X-ray and artificial intelligence technologies, ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate trade while effectively preventing the entry of contraband. The thwarting of nearly 5 million pills in a single operation reflects the scale of the challenge and simultaneously highlights the efficiency of the Saudi security system in safeguarding national and economic security.
Call for community contribution
In closing, the official spokesperson reiterated his call to all citizens and residents to contribute to protecting society and the national economy by reporting any suspected smuggling activities. The Authority emphasized that all communication is strictly confidential and can be conducted via the dedicated security reporting hotline (1910), email (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or the international number (009661910). Significant financial rewards will be offered to those who provide accurate information, underscoring that security is everyone's responsibility.
