The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) in Saudi Arabia revealed the results of its security and monitoring efforts during the past week, with its field teams at various land, sea, and air customs ports seizing 862 smuggling attempts. These operations are part of the Authority's robust security strategy to enhance control over imports and exports and protect society from security and health risks.
Details of seized items and prohibited materials
The authority explained in its statistical report that the list of seized items was diverse, reflecting the vigilance of customs inspectors and their use of the latest technologies in detecting contraband. The seizures included:
- Narcotics: 33 different types of drugs were seized, including hashish, cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, and Captagon pills, which are among the most targeted substances in the region.
- Prohibited materials: 124 types of legally prohibited materials that do not comply with Saudi regulations were prevented from entering the country.
- Tobacco and its derivatives: Foiling the smuggling of 853 cases related to tobacco and its derivatives to evade duties and taxes.
- Money and weapons: Nine cases were seized related to the disclosure of sums of money (money laundering), in addition to the seizure of an item related to weapons and their supplies.
National context: The war on drugs and protecting borders
These successive seizures are an integral part of the comprehensive national campaign launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the banner of "The War on Drugs." The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority acts as the first line of defense at border crossings, in close coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. These efforts are based on the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to create a vibrant and secure society, where securing the borders against the influx of drugs and contraband is a fundamental pillar for ensuring the safety and stability of the social fabric.
Historically, Saudi Customs has developed its mechanisms from traditional manual inspection to the use of artificial intelligence, advanced X-ray systems, and live teams (K9), which has significantly increased the efficiency of seizures over the last five years, and made it difficult for smuggling networks to penetrate the Kingdom’s security system.
The economic and security impact of customs control
The importance of these seizures extends beyond security to encompass crucial economic dimensions. Economically, curbing smuggling and tax evasion helps protect the local market from unfair competition, ensures the flow of public revenue, and prevents the entry of counterfeit or adulterated goods that could harm consumers.
On the regional and international level, the Kingdom’s success in thwarting these large quantities of contraband enhances its position as a reliable international partner in combating transnational crime, and cuts off funding for criminal organizations that rely on smuggling as a primary source of income.
Call for community participation
ZATCA reiterated its call for citizens and residents to contribute to this national effort, emphasizing that security is everyone's responsibility. Any suspicions related to smuggling can be reported through official channels, which guarantee complete confidentiality for the informant
- Unified number for security reports: 1910
- International number: 009661910
- Email: 1910@zatca.gov.sa
The authority confirmed that it will provide generous financial rewards to informants if the information is proven to be true, as an encouragement for effective cooperation to protect the homeland and its resources.
