New security achievement: Saudi customs ports thwart 900 smuggling attempts
Saudi customs ports, whether land, sea, or air, achieved a significant security milestone by seizing 900 smuggling attempts in just one week. This remarkable accomplishment is part of the ongoing and dedicated efforts of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) to enhance security, tighten border controls, and protect Saudi society from the dangers of contraband in all its forms.
Details of the seizures: Variety in smuggling methods and customs vigilance
Official statistics revealed that the list of seized items included 133 types of highly dangerous narcotics, including hashish, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Captagon pills, and other mind-destroying drugs. Additionally, 291 prohibited substances were prevented from entering the country. Customs authorities also thwarted attempts to smuggle 1,975 types of tobacco and its derivatives in an effort to evade taxes, along with 28 types of undeclared cash (part of anti-money laundering efforts) and three types of weapons and related equipment.
General context: The Kingdom's open war against the scourge of drugs
Historically, Saudi Arabia has faced ongoing challenges due to its strategic geographic location connecting three continents, making it a target for international smuggling gangs, particularly those involved in the drug trade, specifically Captagon pills, which are often manufactured in regional conflict zones and destined for the Gulf states. In this context, the Saudi leadership has launched comprehensive national security campaigns to combat drugs, with customs ports serving as the first line of defense and a strong shield against the entry of these scourges. Saudi Customs relies on the latest security technologies and X-ray scanning equipment, in addition to live detection methods (police dogs) and highly trained personnel to uncover the most sophisticated smugglers' tactics.
Expected impact and strategic importance of the controls
These successive seizures are of great importance on several levels:
- On the local level, these tremendous efforts contribute to protecting Saudi youth from falling into the trap of addiction, which has a positive impact on public health and reduces drug-related crime rates. It also protects the national economy from the drain on its resources through the informal economy and illicit financial flows.
- At the regional and international levels, these achievements underscore the Kingdom's firm commitment to international agreements combating transnational organized crime. By thwarting these massive smuggling operations, Saudi Arabia prevents its territory from being used as a transit point for contraband destined for other countries, thus reinforcing its position as a trusted global partner in maintaining international security.
Strengthening customs controls and calling for community participation
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) affirmed that it is proceeding firmly in tightening customs control over all imports and exports of the Kingdom, in order to achieve and protect the security of society, through continuous cooperation and coordination with all its partners from the relevant security authorities.
At the same time, the Authority extended an open invitation to all citizens and residents to contribute to combating smuggling in order to protect society and the national economy, based on its belief that “the citizen is the first line of defense.” Security reports can be submitted confidentially via the dedicated number (1910), email (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or the international number (009661910). The Authority receives reports related to smuggling crimes and violations of the provisions of the Unified Customs Law, and offers substantial financial rewards to informants if the information is proven true.
