Saudi customs intercept over 1,100 prohibited items at border crossings

Saudi Arabia’s land, sea and air customs ports recorded 1,147 seizures of prohibited items, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) announced on Tuesday, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and protect society from contraband.

Narcotics and prohibited substances

The seized items included 48 types of narcotics, such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and Captagon pills, in addition to 270 prohibited substances, ZATCA said in a statement.

Tobacco and cash smuggling attempts

Customs authorities also thwarted 839 smuggling attempts involving tobacco and its derivatives, along with nine cases involving cash, the authority added.

ZATCA commitment and public appeal

ZATCA reaffirmed its commitment to tightening customs controls over the Kingdom’s imports and exports to safeguard society, in continued cooperation and coordination with relevant authorities.

The authority urged the public to contribute to combating smuggling and protecting society and the national economy by reporting suspected violations through its security hotline at 1910 or the international number +966 1910, as well as by email.

ZATCA said reports concerning smuggling crimes and violations of the Unified Customs Law are handled with complete confidentiality, with financial rewards offered to informants whose reports are verified as accurate.