As part of the intensive security and monitoring efforts to protect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ports, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority that it had achieved significant accomplishments in just one week, as its field teams at various land, sea and air customs ports were able to record 990 cases of seizure of prohibited items, reflecting the high vigilance and full readiness to confront all smuggling attempts that target the security and safety of society.
Details of the seized items: drugs, weapons, and prohibited materials
Official statistics released by the authority revealed that the list of seizures this week was diverse and comprehensive, with narcotics the list at 89 different types. These included highly dangerous substances such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Captagon pills, and other psychotropic substances that smugglers attempt to bring into the country using complex and fraudulent methods.
In addition to drugs, customs officials also seized:
- 461 prohibited substances that are banned from entering the Kingdom by regulations.
- 2010 cases of seizure of tobacco and its derivatives, within the framework of combating tax evasion and protecting public health.
- 36 cases of seizure of funds , which falls under the category of combating money laundering and violating financial disclosure regulations.
- Three types of weapons and their accessories, which confirms the crucial security role of the ports.
National context: First line of defense
These successive seizures come within the framework of the comprehensive national campaign led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to combat drugs and organized crime. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority plays the role of the “first line of defense,” working in conjunction with other security agencies to tighten control over imports and exports. The Authority utilizes the latest security technologies and X-ray scanning systems, in addition to trained personnel and live detection methods (police dogs) to uncover the secret hiding places devised by smugglers.
Economic and social impact
The importance of these efforts extends beyond security; it encompasses protecting the national economy from counterfeit and adulterated goods and tax evasion, as well as the profound social impact of safeguarding youth and society from the devastating scourge of drugs. Foiling nearly a thousand smuggling attempts in a single week sends a firm message to anyone who dares to tamper with the Kingdom's security or target its resources.
Call to contribute to combating smuggling
The ZATCA Authority reiterated its call to all citizens and residents to contribute to this national duty by reporting any suspected smuggling crimes or violations of the Unified Customs System. The Authority emphasized that all reports will be treated with complete confidentiality , and that substantial financial rewards will be offered to informants whose information is found to be accurate.
Reports can be submitted through the following official channels:
- The number designated for security reports: 1910
- Email: 1910@zatca.gov.sa
- International number: 009661910
