ZATCA announces the thwarting of smuggling attempts by seizing 864 cases at border crossings
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has recorded a new security achievement as part of its ongoing efforts to thwart smuggling attempts across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's various land, sea, and air ports. The Authority announced the seizure of 864 contraband items of various types and forms, reflecting its continuous efforts to enhance security and protect Saudi society from threats and dangers that endanger its stability.
The drugs seized during these precise operations included 35 types of highly dangerous narcotics, such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, in addition to Captagon pills and other poisons that target the minds of young people. Furthermore, 345 types of substances prohibited from being traded or imported into the Kingdom were also seized, in accordance with applicable regulations and laws.
A long history of border protection and customs control
Historically, Saudi Customs has played a pivotal role in protecting the Kingdom's borders since its founding. With economic development and population growth, security challenges have increased, necessitating the merger of the General Authority of Zakat and Income Tax with the General Authority of Customs to establish the "Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority"—a strategic move aimed at unifying efforts and enhancing control efficiency. This institutional development has enabled the Authority to utilize the latest global technologies in X-ray inspection, employ live detection methods (such as sniffer dogs), and utilize artificial intelligence for risk analysis, thus making Saudi ports of entry a formidable barrier against transnational organized crime.
The strategic impact of successfully thwarting smuggling attempts
The impact of thwarting smuggling attempts extends far beyond local security, encompassing crucial regional and international dimensions. Domestically, these seizures contribute to protecting the national economy from illicit trade and money laundering, and safeguard public health from the scourge of drugs that devastates human potential. Regionally and internationally, the stringent nature of Saudi customs procedures reinforces the Kingdom's position as a reliable partner in combating terrorism and organized crime, and prevents its territory from being used as a transit route for narcotics destined for neighboring countries, thus bolstering overall regional stability.
In a related context, Saudi customs ports have achieved remarkable success in combating tax and customs evasion attempts, thwarting 1,946 attempts to smuggle tobacco and its derivatives. The seizures also included 15 types of undeclared cash and 5 types of weapons and related equipment, underscoring the comprehensiveness of the oversight and the vigilance of the customs personnel working around the clock.
ZATCA affirmed that it is proceeding firmly in tightening customs control over all imports and exports of the Kingdom, in order to achieve and protect the security of society, through continuous cooperation and coordination with all its partners from relevant authorities.
The Authority called on everyone to contribute to combating smuggling to protect society and the national economy by contacting them via the dedicated security reporting hotline (1910), email ([email protected]), or the international number (009661910). The Authority receives reports related to smuggling crimes and violations of the Unified Customs System with complete confidentiality, and offers a financial reward to the informant if the information is found to be true.
