ZATCA seizes 961 cases of smuggling, drugs and weapons in one week
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) continued its intensive efforts to protect Saudi Arabia's ports of entry, achieving a new security milestone that reflects the vigilance of customs personnel and the efficiency of the control systems. The authority announced the seizure of 961 smuggling attempts across the Kingdom's various land, sea, and air ports in just one week, as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing national security and protecting society from threats.
Details of the seizures: Variety in smuggling methods and vigilant monitoring
Official statistics released by the authority revealed that the cases seized were characterized by their diversity and severity, with narcotics topping the list with 91 different types confiscated. This list included highly dangerous substances such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, the deadly methamphetamine (crystal meth), and Captagon pills, confirming the continued targeting of the Kingdom with these poisons and the ongoing efforts of the relevant authorities to combat them decisively.
The seizures were not limited to drugs, but also included:
- 427 cases related to prohibited substances.
- 1811 cases of seizure of tobacco and its derivatives, within the framework of combating tax evasion and protecting public health.
- 10 cases relate to the disclosure of financial amounts, which falls under efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
- Five cases of weapons and related equipment being seized, reflecting the vital security role of the ports.
National context: The war on drugs and protecting gains
These significant seizures coincide with the comprehensive national campaign led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the banner of "The War on Drugs," a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Interior, the Zakat and Tax Authority, Customs, and other security sectors. ZATCA plays a pivotal role as the first line of defense in this war, employing the latest security technologies and K9 units to detect contraband, regardless of the methods used to conceal it.
From an economic standpoint, these efforts contribute to protecting the national economy from unfair competition caused by smuggled and counterfeit goods, as well as preventing customs and tax evasion, thus enhancing the integrity of the business environment in the Kingdom.
Vision 2030 and transforming the Kingdom into a logistics hub
Strengthening customs controls is closely linked to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 , which aims to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub connecting three continents. To achieve this objective, the General Authority of Customs is working on a delicate balance that ensures both "facilitating trade" and expediting the clearance of goods, while simultaneously "strengthening security controls," to guarantee that the Kingdom remains a safe and reliable conduit for global trade.
Call for community participation
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority renewed its call to all citizens and residents to contribute to this national effort, emphasizing that security is everyone's responsibility. The Authority urged reporting any suspicions related to smuggling crimes through its official channels
- Unified number for security reports: 1910
- Email: [email protected]
- International number: 009661910
The authority confirmed that it deals with all reports with complete confidentiality, while providing generous financial rewards to informants if the information is proven to be true, in order to encourage integrated work between the community and security agencies.
