Zakat and Customs: 1,431 drug and weapons smuggling cases seized in one week
As part of its ongoing efforts to protect the security and economic resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) announced new security achievements across all its land, sea, and air ports. In just one week, the Authority recorded 1,431 seizures of various smuggling attempts, reflecting the high level of vigilance and complete readiness of its personnel in combating all forms of customs evasion.
Details of the seized items: drugs, weapons, and contraband
Official statistics released by the authority revealed a wide variety of drugs seized, including 95 types of narcotics targeting the minds of young people and destroying society. These included hashish, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Captagon pills, and other psychoactive substances. Efforts were not limited to narcotics alone, but also extended to the seizure of 663 other prohibited substances , in addition to thwarting the smuggling of 2,728 units of tobacco and its derivatives , thus contributing to the protection of the local market and public health.
In a related context of financial and physical security, the customs teams were able to seize 19 cases related to financial amounts (disclosure or smuggling of funds), in addition to seizing 3 types of weapons and their accessories , which confirms the pivotal role that the authority plays as the first line of defense for the security of the homeland.
Strategic context: Protecting society and the national economy
These successive seizures are part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom to enhance national security and combat transnational crime. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority plays a vital role in achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 by facilitating legitimate trade while simultaneously maintaining strict control over imports and exports. The Authority's success in seizing these large quantities reflects the significant technological advancements in X-ray inspection equipment, the efficiency of its trained personnel, and the use of live detection methods (police dogs) to detect contraband.
The importance of these operations is not limited to the security aspect only, but extends to include protecting the national economy from illegal practices such as tax and customs evasion, and protecting society from the devastating effects of drugs that drain human energies and health resources.
A call for community participation and safe reporting
Believing that security is everyone's responsibility, the ZATCA Authority renewed its call to all members of society, citizens and residents alike, to contribute to combating smuggling. The Authority emphasized that communication channels are open and completely secure, and that all reports are handled with the utmost confidentiality.
Reports concerning smuggling crimes or violations of the Unified Customs System can be submitted through the following channels:
- The number designated for security reports: 1910
- Email: 1910@zatca.gov.sa
- International number: 009661910
To encourage positive cooperation, the Authority grants generous financial rewards to informants if the information in the report is proven to be true, which strengthens the partnership between the Authority and the community in defeating smugglers and protecting the homeland.
