ZATCA seizes 1,455 cases of drug and weapons smuggling in one week
In a new security achievement reflecting the vigilance of those safeguarding the nation's borders, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) announced the thwarting of 1,455 smuggling attempts across various land, sea, and air customs ports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in just one week. These significant seizures are part of the Authority's intensive and ongoing efforts to strengthen customs control and protect society from security and economic threats.
Details of the seized items: drugs, weapons, and money
The authorities revealed the diverse range of substances smugglers attempted to bring into the Kingdom, with narcotics topping the list at 46 different types. The list included highly dangerous substances such as hashish, heroin, cocaine, and the deadly methamphetamine (crystal meth), in addition to quantities of Captagon pills, which target the minds of young people. The seizures were not limited to narcotics; they also included three types of weapons and related equipment, indicating the dangerous nature of the criminal networks behind these attempts.
In the context of protecting the national economy, the customs teams were able to seize 28 cases related to financial amounts (false disclosure or non-disclosure), which falls within the efforts to combat money laundering, in addition to thwarting the smuggling of 2,532 quantities of tobacco and its derivatives, and 558 other prohibited materials.
National context: A comprehensive war on drugs
These seizures cannot be separated from the broader context of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing "war on drugs," waged by the state across all its security, military, and civilian sectors. The Saudi Anti-Narcotics and Customs Authority (ZATCA) plays a pivotal role as the first line of defense in this war, working in close coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to disrupt the external supply routes of these poisons. These significant figures, recorded in a single week, demonstrate the scale of the challenges facing the Kingdom, and conversely, the high level of preparedness and advanced technical and human capabilities possessed by Saudi ports of entry to counter these systematic attacks.
Economic and security impact
The importance of these seizures extends beyond direct security to include protecting the national economy. Attempts to smuggle tobacco and prohibited goods aim to evade taxes and harm fair competition in the market, while money laundering poses a threat to the financial system. Therefore, tightening customs controls directly contributes to fostering a secure investment environment and achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in building a vibrant society and a thriving economy.
Call for community participation
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority reiterated its call to all members of society to contribute to these national efforts, emphasizing that every citizen is the first line of defense. The Authority urged everyone to report any suspected smuggling activities through its official channels, whether by calling the security hotline (1910), emailing ( [email protected] ), or calling the international number (00966114208417). The Authority guarantees complete confidentiality for informants and offers substantial financial rewards if the information is proven true, encouraging collaborative efforts in protecting the nation.
