Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) announced it had thwarted an attempt to smuggle 1,586,118 Captagon pills hidden in a shipment arriving at Jeddah Islamic Port.

The pills were concealed inside the cavities of “insulating panels” included in the incoming shipment.

The smuggling attempt was uncovered during customs inspection using advanced scanning technology and trained sniffer dogs.

Following the seizure, ZATCA coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), resulting in the arrest of three individuals who were set to receive the contraband inside the Kingdom.

ZATCA reaffirmed its commitment to tightening customs control over Saudi Arabia’s imports and exports in coordination with the GDNC to protect society from narcotics and other illicit goods.

The authority also urged the public to contribute to anti-smuggling efforts by reporting suspected violations via its security hotline (1910), email (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or international number (+9661910). Informants are assured full confidentiality and may receive a financial reward if the report proves accurate.