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The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority detailed the results of its operations in a statement released Sunday. Customs officers intercepted 118 attempts to smuggle various narcotic substances including hashish, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and Captagon. The authority reported that these cases formed a significant portion of the overall thwarted smuggling activity at the kingdom’s borders.
According to the ZATCA statement, an additional 402 prohibited items were seized in the course of the 1,131 total attempts. Officers further intercepted 2,478 tobacco and tobacco-related products along with 25 cases of undeclared cash. The statement listed nine cases involving weapons and related equipment among the successful interceptions.
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority said it maintains close coordination with other government agencies to strengthen border controls. This collaboration has enabled the detection and prevention of diverse smuggling methods employed at different ports. The authority continues to deploy advanced inspection technologies across land, sea and air entry points.
ZATCA urged members of the public to contribute to anti-smuggling efforts by reporting any suspected violations they encounter. The authority stated that all such reports are processed in strict confidence to protect the identity of the informant. Financial rewards are provided when the provided information leads to the confirmation of a customs breach, the statement added.
A United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report from last year highlighted the increasing flow of Captagon through regional routes toward the Gulf states. The UNODC figures show that amphetamine-type stimulants constitute a growing share of intercepted narcotics in the area. Saudi authorities have been at the forefront of regional cooperation to address this trend, according to the multilateral body.
ZATCA has intensified its campaigns in recent years as part of national security initiatives. The authority’s published data from prior operations demonstrate consistent results in reducing the entry of illicit goods. These efforts are expected to persist with enhanced measures at all ports of entry.
