Zatka foils smuggling of 38,000 amphetamine pills at King Khalid Airport
As part of ongoing security efforts to protect the Kingdom from the scourge of drugs, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh dealt a new blow to smuggling networks, as it succeeded in thwarting an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of the narcotic substance “amphetamine”, amounting to 38,340 pills, which were professionally hidden inside a postal parcel arriving in the Kingdom.
Operation and control details
The official spokesperson for the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, Hamoud Al-Harbi, revealed details of the operation, explaining that the shipment arrived in the Kingdom via air freight in a "postal parcel." Upon undergoing thorough customs procedures and inspection using the latest security technologies and live detection methods (police dogs), the parcel was found to contain the pills, reflecting the vigilance of customs personnel and their ability to uncover the tricks used by smugglers.
Security coordination and arrest of those receiving [the aid/receipt]
Al-Harbi pointed out that the operation did not stop at seizing the contraband, but extended to apprehending those involved within the Kingdom. Following the customs seizure, direct and immediate coordination took place with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, resulting in the arrest of two individuals who were to receive the seized items within the Kingdom. Legal procedures were initiated against them.
The war on drugs: a comprehensive national context
This successful operation comes within the context of the "war on drugs" waged by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia across all its security and customs sectors, with the aim of cutting off smuggling routes and protecting society from these poisons. Customs ports (land, sea, and air) are the first line of defense, as the Kingdom faces ongoing challenges from smugglers attempting to devise new methods, whether through mail, commercial shipments, or even travelers.
This seizure reflects the high level of security integration between ZATCA and the General Directorate of Drug Control, a collaboration that has resulted in thwarting hundreds of similar attempts during the past period, which confirms that the Kingdom is on the lookout for anyone who dares to target the security of the homeland and the safety of its citizens.
The importance and impact of customs control
The authority affirmed its commitment to tightening customs control over all imports and exports to the Kingdom, in line with one of the key pillars of its strategy: enhancing security and protecting society and the national economy. Foiling the smuggling of this quantity of amphetamine directly protects young people, who are the primary target of drug traffickers, and safeguards national assets and the Kingdom's human capital, upon which the Kingdom relies to achieve its Vision 2030.
Call for community contribution
In closing, the Authority reiterated its call for 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 emphasized that it receives reports related to smuggling crimes and violations of the Unified Customs Law with complete confidentiality, and offers a financial reward to the informant if the information provided is accurate.
