In a new security achievement reflecting the vigilance of those safeguarding the nation's borders, Saudi Arabia's land, sea, and air customs ports recorded 957 seizures of contraband in just seven days. These successful operations are part of the ongoing and intensive efforts of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) to enhance security and protect society from all types of cross-border threats.
Details of the seized items: drugs, weapons, and money
Official statistics released by the authority revealed a wide variety of seized substances, including 81 types of highly dangerous drugs such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, Captagon pills, and others. This reflects the scale of the targeting of the Kingdom and the attempts to flood it with these poisons. In addition to narcotics, 454 cases involving other prohibited substances were seized, and the smuggling of 1,852 tobacco products and derivatives, intended to evade taxes and duties, was thwarted.
The seizures were not limited to consumer goods and narcotics, but extended to include financial and security crimes, as (3) cases were detected related to attempts to smuggle sums of money (cash disclosure), and (19) types of weapons and their accessories, which confirms the comprehensiveness and accuracy of customs control.
National context: The war on drugs and protecting the economy
These successive seizures come within the framework of the comprehensive national campaign launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the banner of “War on Drugs,” which aims to dry up the sources of smuggling and dismantle trafficking networks. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority plays a pivotal role as the first line of defense, utilizing the latest security technologies, X-ray scanning systems, and K9 units to detect contraband, regardless of the methods used to conceal it.
From an economic perspective, these efforts contribute to protecting the national economy from unfair competition and counterfeit and adulterated goods, as well as combating money laundering by controlling cash flow through ports of entry. This role is an integral part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, which aim to create a secure investment environment and a vibrant, healthy society.
Security and societal impact
Seizing such a massive quantity of contraband in a single week carries significant implications both locally and regionally. Locally, it means protecting thousands of families from the scourge of addiction and saving lives from the dangers of smuggled weapons. Regionally, it reaffirms the Kingdom's commitment to international agreements combating organized crime and smuggling, further solidifying its position as a leading nation in maintaining security and stability in the region.
ZATCA affirmed that it is proceeding with tightening customs control over all imports and exports of the Kingdom, in order to achieve and protect the security of society, through continuous and fruitful cooperation and coordination with all its partners from the relevant security authorities.
Call for community participation
Believing that security is everyone's responsibility, the authority called on citizens and residents to actively contribute to combating smuggling to protect society and the national economy. Anyone can report any suspicions through official channels
- The number designated for security reports: (1910).
- Email address: ( 1910@zatca.gov.sa ).
- International number: (009661910).
The Authority guarantees that all reports related to smuggling crimes and violations of the provisions of the Unified Customs System will be handled with complete confidentiality, with a generous financial reward given to the informant if the information in the report is proven to be true, in order to encourage integrated work between security agencies and members of society.
