ZATCA thwarts thousands of smuggling attempts to protect the Kingdom's security and economy
Intensive security efforts to protect the Kingdom's borders
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance security and protect society and the national economy, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) announced significant successes in tightening control over all land, sea, and air customs ports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Authority recorded 864 seizures of prohibited materials and thwarted 1,946 smuggling attempts recently, reflecting the vigilance and efficiency of Saudi customs personnel in combating criminal activities.
Details of the seizures and smuggling attempts
The seized items included a wide range of substances that pose a threat to public safety and health. Thirty-five types of narcotics were confiscated, including hashish, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and Captagon pills. In addition, 345 other prohibited substances were seized. Furthermore, the authority thwarted 1,946 attempts to smuggle tobacco and its derivatives, 15 attempts to smuggle funds illegally, and five attempts to smuggle weapons and related equipment.
The strategic context of the role of the ZATCA agency
These achievements come within the context of the pivotal role played by the Saudi Customs Authority (ZATCA) as the first line of defense for the Kingdom's security. Established in 2021 through the merger of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the General Authority of Customs, this strategic move aimed to unify efforts and enhance operational efficiency in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. ZATCA works to implement the highest standards of customs control using the latest technologies and methods to ensure the protection of the Kingdom's borders from all forms of smuggling and commercial fraud.
National and regional importance of combating smuggling
Domestically, these operations directly contribute to protecting youth and society from the devastating scourge of drugs, and support the Kingdom's comprehensive national war against drug traffickers and dealers. Furthermore, thwarting the smuggling of tobacco and other goods protects the national economy from tax evasion and ensures fair market competition. Regionally and internationally, Saudi Arabia's success in securing its borders represents a significant blow to transnational organized crime networks that exploit the region as a transit point or market for their illicit trade, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as an active partner in the global security system.
A call for community cooperation
The General Authority of Customs and Trade (ZATCA) affirmed its commitment to strengthening customs controls on the Kingdom's imports and exports, in continuous coordination and cooperation with its partners in security and military agencies. In this context, the Authority reiterated its call to all citizens and residents to contribute to combating smuggling to protect society and the economy by contacting it through the designated security reporting channels, such as the unified number (1910), email (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or the international number (00966114208417). ZATCA emphasized that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality, and a financial reward will be given to the informant if the information provided is found to be accurate.
